Montgomery Parents November 2012

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Montgomery Parents I November 2012

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F R A Z E R

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15 & 16 Wesley Hall

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U M C

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Experience the warmth, hope, laughter, and love that Christmas cards bring, brought

to life through stage and song.

Features over 200 voice choir, full orchestra, soloists and ensembles in musical styles ranging from traditional, to big band, to contemporary.

The program is free, and childcare is available for ages infant to three.

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Living Christmas Tree December 7 • 7 pm December 8 • 4 & 7 pm December 9 • 4 & 7 pm

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Tickets available online beginning November 5.

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Contents November 2012

Volume 17 Number 11

Features 60 Gratitude Games

Discover fun ways to reawaken appreciation in your children this Thanksgiving season.

66 Six Cool Gift Ideas for Teens and Tweens

The older they get, the harder they are to please. These creative (yet practical) gift ideas are sure to be winners this Christmas!

68 2012 Holiday Happenings

Columns 6 From One Parent to Another DeAnne Watson

November and December offer an abundance of holiday activities in our community!

Let our guide be your guide to family fun!

78 Give Your Preschooler an Edge

Find smart opportunities to seize at home with your young children, which will help prepare them for a lifetime of learning.

8 Living With Children John Rosemond

12 Kids Health Watch

sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

On The Cover

14 Montgomery Education Matters

by Superintendent Barbara W. Thompson

Departments

50 Autauga Education Matters

10 Bits and Pieces

52 Elmore Education Matters

16 School Bits

by Superintendent Spence Agee

by Superintendent Jeffery E. Langham

58 Get This!

84 Calendar/Support Groups

62 The FlyLady

95 Advertiser Directory

Paige Gardner Smith

Marla Cilley

64 Page in a Book Paige Gardner Smith

82 Relocating with Kids Julie Steed

Montgomery Parents I November 2012

Alejandra Vรกzquez is in 8th grade at Montgomery Catholic Middle School. She is the daughter of Julio & Crystal Vรกzquez of Montgomery. Alejandra has an older sister, Aleesa, who attends Troy Montgomery, and a younger sister, Mary Ellen, who is a 5th grader at St. Bede School.

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96 Movie Reviews

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MontgomeryParents

The River Region’s Foremost Parenting Source

Montgomery Parents Magazine, is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant, role in our community. Montgomery Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.

Founder

Marty Watson (1950-2006)

Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@montgomeryparents.com

Associate Editor Alison Rouse

Research Editor Wendy McCollum

Contributing Writers Spence Agee Marla Cilley Christina Katz Dr. Jeff Langham Phil Mitchell, DVM Pam Molnar Michele Ranard John Rosemond Paige Gardner Smith Julie Steed Barbara W. Thompson David Drennan, M.D.

Cover Photography Savannah Bowden Photography

Ad Design Tim Welch

Publisher Jason Watson jason@montgomeryparents.com

Advertising Opportunities

From One Parent to Another...

Last November was one of the few times we actually hosted Thanksgiving dinner in our home, rather than going to my mom’s house for lunch and getting with Jason’s family for dinner. While the idea was a bit overwhelming when you think of all the planning, food preparation, and clean up, there is something special about having everyone sit around your own table in the place you call “home”.

Jason and I decided it would be a good day to start a new tradition (or what I hope will be a tradition)! I put out small slips of paper next to a basket where family members could walk by throughout the day and write down one thing (or several things) for which they were thankful that year. Then, after dinner, we sat around the table long enough to pass the basket around and read the various notes, sometimes guessing who said what and sometimes knowing without a doubt. While this was something new to my family and maybe they were a little leery at first, I think in the end we all felt more thankful after having spoken aloud all the blessings in our lives. If you are looking to incorporate new traditions with your family this Thanksgiving, be sure to read Gratitude Games, where you’ll find ideas to reawaken thankfulness in your children (and even yourselves). And let’s face it, in the busyness of life, we can all use a little help slowing down and remembering how blessed we truly are.

So once Thanksgiving day passes, and even before for many, the shopping is ON for Christmas! When Anna and I were at a local store recently we passed by the toys for young children and both got excited about buying Christmas for Grace this year. Finding gifts for an almost 2 year old is super easy...the choices are endless. However, when I think about what I’m going to get for Will and Anna, my teen and tween, it gets a little more challenging. I now find myself listening for them to say things they like throughout the entire year and then running to my computer before I forget to make a document of potential Christmas gifts. If you find yourself in the same boat, don’t miss 6 Cool Gift Ideas for Teens and Tweens. While some of the ideas are gift card or money related, the ideas for packaging make the gifts super special and unique.

Finally, be sure to check out our 2012 Holiday Happenings Guide on page 68. The River Region offers parades, musicals, theater, light festivals and much more to make the Christmas holidays memorable for you and your family. Don’t let the cooler weather keep you inside; get out and have fun celebrating this beautiful time of year with your kids. They’ll never forget the memories you make together!

334.213.7940 ads@montgomeryparents.com

DeAnne

Member

www.montgomeryparents.com editor@montgomeryparents.com Montgomery Parents magazine is published monthly

by KeepSharing LLC, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, Alabama, 36123. The phone number for voice and fax is (334) 213.7940. Montgomery Parents is copyrighted 2012 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. opinions expressed in Montgomery Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

www.montgomeryparents.com

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Living With Children

By John Rosemond

Child’s Character More Important Than Test Scores Driving in southern California recently, listening to talk radio, I heard a commercial for a Christian private school. The spokesperson went on and on about their very high test scores, the very high percentage of their students who go to top-rated universities, and other very high academic statistics. Send your child to Veryhighscore Academy! We will bring out the best in your child!

Really? I was amazed that in the commercial, the word “character” was not mentioned once. It was all about grades, test scores, scholarships and the like, reflecting and exploiting the obsession today’s parents have with this trivia.

“Trivia? Hello? Are you hopelessly stuck in the past, John, or what? Don’t you realize how important it is for a kid to get into the right school? Why, everything hinges on what college one gets into!”

No, it doesn’t. A poll of top executives, many of whom run Fortune 500 companies, found that quite a number of them went to “ordinary” schools like Western Illinois University, which just happens to be my alma mater. You ever hear of it? No? Fancy that!

Nor do high grades make the individual.

That includes test scores, class rank, or being in honors classes. If they did, all highly successful (by whatever standard) people would come from the top 10 percent of their classes. They don’t. Some were quite ordinary students. A pediatrician friend of mine never made a grand total of two A’s in undergraduate school. Another pediatrician friend of mind dropped out of high school and spent time in the military before getting his G.E.D and then going to college.

And then there are the many stories of people who were high achievers in school, went to top-ranked universities, and never lived up to expectations. I know or know of several such people. One has lived on the public dole most of his life. Another became addicted to gambling, lost his job, lost his family, and dropped out of sight.

In the 14th Century, William of Wykeham penned the motto of Winchester College and New College, Oxford: Manners maketh www.montgomeryparents.com

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man. An individual’s manners are a reflection of his or her character, so an apt paraphrase of the motto is “It’s all about one’s character!”

That’s as true today as it always has been.

The C-student who always does his best and strives to improve is going to go further in life than the A-student who is a slacker. If you’ve ever been to a high school reunion, you’ve seen the proof of that. The person voted most likely to succeed didn’t, and the person who was hardly noticed in high school became a high achiever as an adult. And best of all, he’s a nice guy who supports worthy causes in his community.

As was known seven centuries ago, one’s manners are a reflection of one’s character. Furthermore, it is by learning and practicing social courtesies that a child develops good character. Training in manners teaches a child to pay attention to others and look for opportunities to be of service to them, even in small ways like opening doors and helping carry things.

A life well led is not defined in terms of how much money one makes or one’s title.

It is defined by service to others. And service to others equates to humility and modesty, which the world needs a whole lot more.

Q: The first time my 3-year-old called his

4-year-old brother “stupid” I was caught off guard and probably made too big a deal over it. I told him that he is not allowed to call a person stupid because it is hurtful. He promptly began calling the dog, his cup, and everything else under the sun “stupid.” I’ve created a monster, haven’t I? I have started ignoring the behavior, but what should I do when he directs the term at a friend or just some random kid at the playground?

A: Yep, you’ve created a monster, but

monsters can be starved into submission, if not to death. At this stage of the game, you’re doing the right thing by ignoring the stupids completely, or as completely as possible. If he calls a friend or stranger “stupid,” you need to make him apologize. If he resists, sit him in a “thinking chair” (or whatever is available) until he complies. If you react calmly but authoritatively in those situations and ignore the rest, the stupids should die a natural death.

Hang in there!

Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.

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bits & pieces “A Christmas Carol” at ASF

Starting November 23-through December 23.

The snowy London streets ring with carols that set the stage for Dickens magical tale of hope and redemption. Join us as the ghosts of the pasts, present and future reawaken Scrooge’s conscience. A great family outing to brighten your holiday. Recommended for children ages 6+ and up. Prices starting at $30. Please visit us at www.asf.net.

‘Uncork the Cure’ Competitive Wine Tasting

November 8 at Turenne & Associates, 365 Industrial Park Blvd., Montgomery Volunteer organizers are kicking off efforts for teams to raise funds in a festive way to fight arthritis, the nation’s leading cause of disability. The “Uncork the Cure” event combines wine tasting with a competitive twist. Individuals can participate or groups of three people can compete as a team. Each person/ team is responsible for three bottles of wine, and upon arrival two bottles are wrapped to conceal the wine’s identity.

The third bottle is set aside for the winning team. At the end of the evening, the teams that brought the winning wines take home the stash of unopened wine.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Cabot Cheese are providing hors d’oeuvres, and the event is sponsored by Rehab First. Tickets are $20 online or $25 at the door. Visit www.2012uncorkthecure.kintera.org or call the Arthritis Foundation at 334-557-1577.

Eastdale Mall Santa’s Arrival on Ice

Eastdale Mall, November 9, 7 p.m.

Call Mall Information Desk, 277-7359, for schedule. www.montgomeryparents.com

Prattville Dance Students Perform ‘Grinch Ballet’

Saturday, Dec. 1, at Destiny Church in Prattville at 2 p.m.

The Grinch Ballet is about an odd green recluse of an unknown species who resides on a mountaintop overlooking the cheerful, sunny town of Whoville as it prepares for Christmas. In bitter contempt toward the season, the Grinch plots against the upcoming holiday and decides to ruin it for the Whos by disguising as Santa Claus and riding around in a sled drawn by his pet dog Max, robbing each family of wrapped gifts on Christmas Eve. His heart is touched by little Cindy Lou’s innocence and the true meaning of the season; the Grinch repents by returning all of the stolen presents to the Whos and partaking in the traditions of the holiday season.

The Grinch Ballet will be performed by The Prattville Ballet and Students of C.J.’s Dance Factory. For more information, call (334) 361-0554.

Upcoming Theatre

Millbrook Community Players present The Foreigner, written by Larry Shue and directed by Fred Neighbors. Show dates are November 8-10 and 15-17 at 7:30 p.m. and November 11 at 2 p.m. The scene is a fishing lodge in rural Georgia often visited by “Froggy” LeSeuer, a British demolition expert who occasionally runs training sessions at a nearby Army base. This time “Froggy” has brought along a friend, a pathologically shy young man named Charlie who is overcome with fear at the thought of making conversation with strangers. So “Froggy,” before departing, tells all assembled that Charlie is from an exotic foreign country and speaks no English. Once alone the fun really begins, as Charlie overhears more than he should. Tickets may be purchased online at www.millbrooktheatre.com or by calling (334) 782-7317.

Alabama Shakespeare Festival presents A Christmas Carol Nov. 23-Dec. 23.

Adapted from the novel by Charles Dickens. Recommended for ages 6+. Appropriate for most audiences. For ticket info, visit www.asf.net or call 271-5353.

Faulkner Dinner Theatre presents Inspecting Carol November 29-December 1; 6-8; and 13-15. Theatre doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner is served from 6:15 until 7.

The show begins promptly at 7:30. Tickets are $25 and include dinner and the show.

Members of the military can purchase tickets for just $20. Reservations must be paid in advance. Make reservations or for more information, call 386-7190 or e-mail boxoffice@faulkner.edu.

Wetumpka Depot presents The Legend of Santa Pig November 30 and December 1. Written

by Bill Springer and directed by Kim Mason, this play answers the age-old philosophical question: “If it’s Christmas in the barnyard and no one is around, will the animals have one bang-up Christmas party?” Well, the answer is definitely “Yes!” This family-friendly show is appropriate for all ages. For tickets, visit www.wetumpkadepot.com or call (334) 868-1440.

Cloverdale Playhouse performs Season’s Greetings December 6-9 and 13-16.

Written by British playwright Alan Ayckbourn. A “typical” holiday gathering of family at the table and, on occasion, under the Christmas tree, has Neville and Belinda wondering if order can be restored by Boxing Day. The arrival of an unexpected guest and a performance by a puppet theater supply abundant laughs and a ruffled feather or two.

Shows are at 7:30 p.m. nightly except Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. For tickets or more info, call 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org 10

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BTW Dance Performance: ‘Breaking Glass’

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts * 10-11 a.m. November 13 9:30-10:30 and 11 a.m.-noon November 14 Since 1990, Gary Moore, creative director of the Booker T. Washington Magnet High School Dance Theatre, has collaborated with the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts to develop and produce unique special events combining the performing and visual arts.

The inspiration for each of these major arts-in-education events has been a significant art exhibition on view at the Museum. This year is no exception, with three original performances created in connection with the exhibition Psychedelic Mania: Stephen Rolfe Powell’s Dance with Glass. Don’t miss the chance to see these incredibly talented young dancers interpret Stephen Rolfe Powell’s works of art in a choreographed fantasy about the spirits of broken glass fusing themselves back into their original sculptural forms, with music by Philip Glass (of course)! For reservations, call 240-4365 or e-mail edsecy@mmfa.org. This event is FREE.

Upcoming Concerts

Baptist Health Care Presents MERCY ME at Montgomery Performing Arts Centre November 29 * 7 p.m. Tickets: $47.50, $37.50 MercyMe is an American contemporary Christian band founded in Greenville, Texas.

The group first gained mainstream recognition with the crossover single, “I Can Only Imagine” which elevated their debut album, Almost There, to becoming certified double platinum. Since then, the group has released five additional studio albums, three of which have been certified gold, and a greatest hits album. MercyMe has won numerous Dove Awards and has had various Grammy Award nominations. For tickets or more info, visit www.mpaconline.org or call 481-5100.

December

Beautiful music for the holidays by The Montgomery Chorale Featuring Robby Gibson, Guitar Friday, November 30 @ 7:30 p.m. * Sunday, December 2 @ 2:30 p.m.

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts For tickets, call (334) 265-3737 or visit montgomerychorale.org Dwight Yoakam Live in Concert at MPAC December 2 * 8 p.m. Tickets: $34, $29.

For tickets or more info, visit www.mpaconline.org or call 481-5100.

Sesame Street Live “Elmo Makes Music”

Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Tuesday, Nov. 20, at 6:30 p.m.

Wed., Nov. 21, at 10:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m.

Ticket prices range from $17 to $58.

For tickets or more info, visit www.mpaconline.org or call 481-5100.

Holiday Open House

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Saturday, December 1 * 1-4 p.m.

The day’s activities will include performances by local choral groups and festive studio activities. In addition to these holiday treats, the Museum invites guests to explore the multiple exhibitions on view. Also, be sure to see the Kwanzaa and Hanukkah displays as well as the Museum’s Christmas tree, adorned with hand-made ornaments created specifically for the Museum by Alabama artists. There is no charge for Holiday Open House, but guests are encouraged to bring canned goods for donation to the Montgomery Area Food Bank or a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. This event is sponsored

by BBVA Compass. Visit www.mmfa.org or call 240-4333 for details.

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Kids Heal h Watch

Sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

Recognizing and Treating Croup It is 3a.m. and Patrick’s parents are suddenly awakened by the sound of their 2-yearold child’s deep, barking cough. It occurs in spasms and resembles the grunting of a seal.

Patrick has croup, a syndrome that affects numerous children of all ages throughout the winter in North America.

The medical term for croup is laryngotracheo-bronchitis. This syndrome is primarily a viral illness that causes swelling of the air passageways beneath the vocal cords and increased secretion of mucus. The most common causes are viral infections, though occasionally allergies have been involved.

The viruses that can cause croup are primarily influenza and para- influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and, rarely, adenovirus, and rhinovirus. The seasons will affect the number and type of cases in the community. For example, para-influenza related cases occur most often in the fall and early winter; RSV-related croup commonly occurs throughout mid-winter and spring.

Though croup can affect children of all ages, it most frequently involves children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years.

Besides having a barky cough, children with this illness usually have stuffy and runny noses, watery eyes, and fever before the development of the cough. As the swelling under the vocal cords progresses, the child also may develop stridor, which is a coarse,

crowing-like sound heard when the child inhales. At first the sound may be apparent only between coughing spells or while crying. If the swelling progresses, it may be heard at rest, which implies a more serious respiratory problem and the possible need for hospitalization.

The majority of children will have a mild case that will run its course and require only treatment to help reduce the swelling and thin the secretions in the tracheal bronchial tree or air passageways. This is more easily accomplished through the use of cool air humidifier and by encouraging the child to drink large amounts of fluid to insure adequate hydration.

Hot air vaporizers are not suggested, because of the potential for burns and scalds. Taking the child out in the cold night air for 20 minutes also has been helpful. The duration of the illness is usually 5-7 days.

If these measures fail, the parents should call or have their child see his physician who may decide to either admit the child or use outpatient medication to reduce the swelling beneath the vocal cords and in the tracheal bronchial area. If the symptoms are not too severe, a trial of a fast acting steroid may be used to reduce the swelling that is usually apparent beneath the vocal cords. If symptoms do not improve or deteriorate, hospitalization is necessary for more aggressive treatment.

Other treatments in the hospital could include

bedside humidifier or croup tent therapy, nebulized breathing treatments with medicine that shrinks the swelling beneath the vocal cords, and steroid therapy. Antibiotics are generally not helpful for viral infections and are not used unless there is also a bacterial infection such as ear infection, or bacterial pneumonia.

Other conditions that may be confused with some of the symptoms and signs of croup include the presence of a foreign body in the air pathways; epiglottitis, a life-threatening bacterial infection of the epiglottis; retropharyngeal abscess and, occasionally, whooping cough.

Though most croup episodes in children are self-limiting viral illnesses, parents should not hesitate to consult their physician about the severity of their child’s illness as well as the possibility of a different diagnosis.

Dr. Drennen earned his medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in 1975 and is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. He began his private practice of pediatric medicine in Loveland, Colorado. He then practiced in Ozark, Alabama before coming to Professional Pediatrics in 1998. He and his wife Rebecca have two sons. The entire family enjoys downhill skiing and beach activities.

Dr. C. Allen White Dr. Robert L. Coggin Dr. David W. Drennen Dr. Karen Doles Dr. Malissa Hoy

OFFICE (334) 271-5959 NURSE LINE (334) 272-6667

Newborn, Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

OFFICE HOURS Mon-Thurs Friday Saturday Sunday www.montgomeryparents.com

8:00 am - Evening Appts.

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Christmas Parade

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Kick off the Season with the Capital City’s very merry Christmas Parade filled

C a p i t a l C i t y C h r i s t m a s Pa r a d e

with oh-so-jolly floats and festivities. Celebrate this special season and gather with loved ones for a night that is sure to make all your Christmas dreams come true!

Friday, December 7, 2012 Parade Route from Capitol Steps to Court Square Fountain

schedule of events

5:15 pm Governor’s Tree Lighting 6:00 pm Capital City Christmas Parade 7:30 pm Mayor’s Tree Lighting

2012 float contest

sponsored by

Create your own Christmas masterpiece and be a part of the festivities. Entry categories include Business Floats, Floats

by Adults, and Floats by Children/Youth.

Registration deadline is November 28, 2012.

Float staging held at Cramton Bowl.

Pa r a d e e n t ry f o r m s at w w w. m o n t g o m e r y a l . g o v F o r m o r e i n f o r m at i o n c o n tact

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www.montgomeryparents.com

Times have changed. Just a few years ago people would dress up to do just about anything. A trip on an airplane seemed to require a coat and tie. No woman would go to the grocery with curlers in her hair.

Even a night at the movies required neat apparel. Today, with few exceptions, anything goes when it comes to the choice of clothes for travel, shopping and leisure activities.

However, in our world of work, a uniform of some sort is still the norm. Sometimes there is a specific uniform; in other cases a business suit is required. At the very least there are some clothing guidelines for most workers. A uniform helps promote the idea that the employee is a member of a team.

For students, school is their “work” and they are indeed part of a larger community.

www.montgomeryparents.com

Uniforms have long been a tradition at private schools and upscale academies. While many public schools have resisted adding a uniform policy, those who have report the benefits have far outweighed any downside.

For a number of years many of our schools required a uniform for students. In the fall of 2011 we implemented a systemwide dress code for all students. There were some who had concerns and while we still have a few high school students who reluctantly accept the rules, most parents, students and administrators see it as a positive change.

“It is a matter of pride for students,” said Carver High School Principal Gary Hall. “There is also the safety factor. When you can ensure everyone on your campus belongs there with just a glance, it really enhances security.”

Elise Keith, principal of Dalraida Elementary, also sees a way schools can help students who need it. “Uniform contributions from previous years allow us to have a reserve of uniforms for our students from homes where money is an issue,” she said.

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Parents praise the fact that there is no more arguing over what students will wear to school. Most find that uniforms are less expensive than trying to buy the latest fashions for their children, and there is no doubt that safety is enhanced with uniforms for students.

Times have changed; standards for appearance aren’t what they used to be. However, the simple act of having students in uniforms helps instill pride, is practical and is an effective tool to help make our schools safer. We are proud to have taken this proactive step to help prepare the future generation for the world of work.

Barbara W. Thompson is Montgomery County Schools’ superintendent. She has served children as a teacher, curriculum leader, elementary principal, and supervisor of secondary alternative and at-risk programs. Superintendent Thompson’s skill as an educator has garnered her several professional honors. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the American Association of School Administrators and the Board of the School Superintendents of Alabama.

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Basic tutoring helps kids prep for tests and little else. Kumon is different — we prepare for the classroom and beyond. For more than 50 years, Kumon has provided children of all ages and abilities with more than a quick academic fix — we’ve provided a methodology for learning that transforms lives. And with more than 4 million students worldwide, we’re certain we can help your child gain an unshakable understanding of reading and math and instill the motivation to learn for a lifetime.

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MA Students Achieve Commended Status

From left, Montgomery Academy students Corrie Tankersley and Mary Elizabeth Massey were among more than two-thirds (about 34,000) of the approximately 50,000 high scorers on the PSAT/NMSQT that received Letters of Commendation in recognition of their outstanding academic promise. Commended Students are named on the basis of a nationally applied Selection Index score that may vary from year to year. Although Commended Students do not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships, some do become candidates for Special Scholarships sponsored by corporations and businesses.

Summit Bible Challenge Kicks Off at SUA

Chapel is held every week at Success Unlimited Academy’s Harrison Road and Fairlane Drive campuses with Children’s Pastor Peggy Henderson for grades K-8.

“We have been having a ball in chapel services this year. We started the year with a program called Summit Bible Challenge. Each student has been encouraged to memorize one scripture a day. Students are given a reading assignment from the Bible with a scripture highlighted to learn.

I am amazed at how quickly these students are progressing,” Henderson said.

Mike Soden is shown here ready to recite his scripture. www.montgomeryparents.com

Trinity’s Baseball Team Receives Championship Rings

Trinity Presbyterian School’s 3A State Championship Baseball Team, shown below (many of whom are also current members of the Trinity football team), received their championship rings at Boykin Field before Trinity’s first varsity football game September 7. The Trinity baseball team (29-13) won the Class 3A state baseball championship on May 17 as the Wildcats took down Piedmont 12-0 at Riverwalk Stadium. Mark White was named MVP of the series.

The Wildcats totaled 14 hits, 13 of them singles, and scored their most runs of the playoffs. William Stabler, Mark White and Chas Mitchell each had two RBIs and a run scored. Trace Johnson and Hunter Chambliss scored twice each. Pitcher Allen Wood (10-0) allowed two hits with two strikeouts in six innings.

Winning his career 600thwin during the semi-finals against Montevallo, Hall of Fame Coach Whittle never doubted his team and their ability to win. “This is such a special group of guys,” Whittle said. “They believed they could do it when a lot of folks doubted them. They knew they could do it.” Whittle (602-209) began his coaching career at Trinity in 1981 and has won four state championships since that time, including 1985, 1996, 2000 and 2012.

The Wildcats were the area runners-up and advanced through the playoffs each week with victories over Slocomb, Lamp, Bayside and Montevallo. The championship series culminated with sweeping Piedmont in two games for the state title.

St. Bede Kindergarten Students Enjoy Works of Eric Carle The Kindergarten classes at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s St. Bede Campus recently completed their author study of Eric Carle. Each student took home a very hungry caterpillar which he or she planted using knee high hose, potting soil, grass seeds, rubber bands and wiggly eyes. Each caterpillar has its own personality.

The book The Very Hungry Caterpillar is fifty years old but still loved by students everywhere. Students in Mrs. Redden’s class pose with their “Very Hungry Caterpillars.”

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Frazer Preschool Class Enjoys Taylor Crossing Trip

Capitol Heights Students Learn About Egypt

Students in Kirby Cramton’s class at Capitol Heights Middle are learning about ancient Egypt and the hieroglyphic symbols that were used to communicate. Students air-dried clay and cast impressions to produce clay tablets, shown at the right, using symbols to write their names or other messages.

Dogs were barking for joy when the K-4 students of Frazer Memorial Kindergarten visited them for a two-day field trip. The field trip consisted of two days of interactive visits with Dr. Philip Mitchell and Dr. Zeb King. The visit began with an informative age-appropriate discussion on pet care and a demonstration of basic procedures that are commonly performed on pets when a visit to a veterinarian is needed. After a visit to the exam room, the students were treated to a visit to the surgical suit, viewed several interesting X-rays, observed a demonstration with the otoscope, and viewed an ultrasound of a dog’s heart, liver and kidneys. After the doctors reviewed basic pet safety and the dangers of approaching stray animals, the kids were introduced to the dogs attending Doggie Day Care. The dogs were delighted to demonstrate their latest diving moves and swimming techniques during their daily swim session.

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For all the children on your list!

clothing · trains · dolls · books · specialty toys www.montgomeryparents.com

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HIPPY Program Celebrates With Fall Festival

The MPS Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters program recently celebrated its accomplishments with a fall festival for HIPPY students and parents. Program volunteers, parents, HIPPY staff and children participated in a variety of fun fall activities which included inflatable rides, games, face painting and good food! Here HIPPY coordinator Elizabeth Fryer shares a light moment with a HIPPY student after an afternoon of fall fun!

Eastwood Girls’ Team Wins Virginia’s Run Contest

Would it be the boys (Team Geiger) or would it be the girls (Team Gaines)? Eastwood Christian School’s Lower School students were anxious to find out who had won the Virginia’s Run contest when Beth Fuhrman, coordinator of the event, came to announce the winner. The girls won, but a total of more than $17,000 was raised in pocket change and individual sponsors from just the elementary students. Virginia’s Run is an annual 5K and 1 mile run to commemorate the life of Virginia Jacks, a former Eastwood student who died in a car accident two years ago, and to raise money for the building of a gymnasium. Virginia was an outspoken follower of Jesus, an athlete at the school and a great friend and encourager to many of the students.

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Fitzpatrick Principal Reads to Students

Fitzpatrick Elementary students in Mrs. Johnnie Nelson’s class received a special treat when Principal William Milledge visited their class to read the book A Birthday Cow. Dr. Milledge and the students wore special cow hats, donated by Chick-fil-a, and discussed the importance of reading every day.

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Bear Kindergartners Surprised

By Butterfly Guest Visitor

Mrs. Grant’s kindergarten class at Bear Exploration Center was surprised with a special appearance by “Butterfly Girl” from the Bug Squad while they were Reading for the Record Ladybug Girl and the Bug Squad!

Bear students joined with more than one million children across the United States again this year for Jumpstart’s annual Read for the Record program.

The “butterfly” was library aide Sally Krosner.

Lighthouse First-Graders Study Johnny Appleseed

Shown are Kali Kubiak and Kennedy Powell Bodie from the first-grade class at Lighthouse Christian Academy. The class learned lots of fun facts about Johnny Appleseed as they enjoyed baking and eating apples and apple pies along with drinking apple juice. To join in the fun, call 271-4200.

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Holy Cross Holds Annual ‘Blessing of the Animals’

On October 4, Holy Cross Episcopal School held its annual Blessing of the Animals service. The Blessing of the Animals is a tradition among many Episcopal churches and schools that invites families’ beloved pets for a special blessing and simple prayer asking the Lord to look over our much-loved pets. The service is held outside the chapel in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, and is performed by local Episcopal priests.

Holy Cross School combined Blessing of the Animals with the opportunity to provide community support for the Montgomery Humane Society. Students at Holy Cross collected items needed for the shelter - such as food, toys, leashes, bowls, old towels and newspapers. Mary Hughes of the Humane Shelter accepted the gifts on behalf of the shelter.

Over the years, there have been horses, ferrets, snakes, goats and rabbits at the Blessing of the Animals. Of course we had the usual suspects; cats, dogs and fish.

“It is so much fun to have all the families come out and visit with each other,” said Melanie Kelley, principal at Holy Cross Episcopal School. “The pets love it too! They got to make new friends and enjoy the hospitality! A good time was had by all while helping a much-needed organization with some of the basic necessities to run their shelter.”

Shown, a horse, a pig and one rather large dog made an appearance at the annual “Blessing of the Animals” held on the beautiful grounds of the Holy Cross campus.

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Children’s Author Visits Evangel

Trinity’s Second-Graders Celebrate Grandparents

Second-grade students served as hosts for Trinity Presbyterian School’s Annual Grandparents’ Day. The students performed several songs for their special guests, treated them to a delightful reception, and presented handmade gifts as a token of their appreciation. Grandparents’ Day is a fun conclusion to the student’s social studies unit on family. Students and grandparents alike had a wonderful time.

Robertson’s Photography was on hand to take pictures of each second-grader with his grandparents.

Katharine Moore, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jerome T. Moore III (Drennen), is shown with her grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. John Payne.

Students Enjoy New Technology at SUA

Students in 7th and 8th grades at Success Unlimited Academy enjoyed a rousing game of Jeopardy recently as they prepared for an upcoming science exam.

“The children are really responding to the new SmartBoards in a positive way,” says teacher Recenah Clinton. “It is exciting to see them so enthusiastic about reviewing for a test. What some would consider a boring exercise, these students found out first hand that learning truly can be fun!”

Pictured here is eighth-grader Phil Lane. www.montgomeryparents.com

David Sargent, Jr., a children’s author from Arkansas, recently visited Evangel Christian Academy. Sargent writes books based on the life of his dogs. His dogs are named Emma, Tatum, Daphne and Spike. Each of his pets has its own book which bears the same name. Sargent travels all over the United States sharing his books and how to be a responsible dog owner. The students at ECA were surprised to find that Sargent also brought his dogs to the special presentation.

Each one of the canine stars was introduced and performed a trick for the students. After the performance, Sargent personally signed books for the students.

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Catholic Math Team Takes First Place at AMP’ed

The Montgomery Catholic Preparatory Middle School Math Team brought home first place on September 29. The team traveled to Auburn University and participated in A.M.P.’ed (Auburn Mathematical Puzzle Challenge). Students spent the day on Auburn’s campus using their mathematical and problem-solving skills to recover missing puzzle pieces in order to solve a crime!

The team placed first out of the ten teams competing. Participating team members were: Henry Petters, Lauren Smith, Isabella Padilla, David Bender and Ledariane Moore. Teacher sponsors were Mrs. Vicki Petters and Miss Caitlyn DeMouy.

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STJ Middle School Donates to Montgomery Food Bank

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Tripling last year’s effort, Saint James Middle Schoolers collected almost 8,000 cans of edible items for the Montgomery Food Bank in the school’s annual beginningof-the-school-year service project. Students and faculty, led by STJ’s Middle School Volunteer Corps, participated in the multi-week event. The cans lined the middle school halls, from one end to the other, before students helped load the four tons of food into the Food Bank’s truck.

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MA Lower School Chorus Selected as Top Group

The Eagleaires Chorus from The Montgomery Academy Lower School, under the direction of Cliff Huckabee, performed at the Alabama National Fair Invitational Choral Festival. There were 21 choirs from all over the state and all were judged by three college music professors on their performances. The Eaglesaires scored a 91, 92 and a 94. The choir was selected as one of the top six groups and performed at the closing ceremonies. The Eagleaires were awarded a trophy for the third straight year.

The Eagleaires chorus is made up of third- and fourth-grade students from The Montgomery Academy’s Lower School.

Students meet before school twice a week to rehearse. The Eagleaires also perform regularly at the Junior League’s Holiday Market and for the school’s Annual Christmas Pageant. In addition, the chorus presents a fall and spring concert.

2416 W. Cloverdale Park Montgomery, AL 36106 334.834.8990 www.fumcmontgomery.org

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Cornerstone Observes ‘See You At The Pole’

Sunday Morning Worship 8:45 & 11 a.m.

Worship Service at Cloverdale School Sunday at 6 p.m.

On September 26, the seventh-grade class from Cornerstone Christian Academy organized and led classmates in a gathering for “See You at the Pole.” “See You at the Pole” is an event that Christian students plan and participate in around the world. It is a time for Christian students to bring their prayer requests before God. Cornerstone students, teachers and parents met around the school’s flagpole and recited the Pledge of Allegiance, led by seventh-grader Olivia Horne. Several of the seventh-grade students read scriptures.

The students then divided the entire school into smaller groups surrounding the school, and prayed for specific prayer requests. The students prayed for our government, the President, and upcoming elections; for families to have love for one another; for parents to be wise; and for children to be obedient. Students also prayed for our churches, schools, missionaries and persecuted Christians around the world.

Montgomery Parents I November 2012

Dr. R. Lawson Bryan Senior Minister

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Lee ROTC Cadets Donate To Canned Food Drive

The Lee High Air Force JROTC cadets recently participated in a schoolwide food drive sponsored by the Lee High Jobs for Alabama Graduates (JAG) program. The cadets donated 893 of the total 2,013 cans that were collected. The cans were used to construct a canned food structure to compete in Goodwyn Mills and Cawood’s Can Do Good Contest. All canned items were donated to the Montgomery Area Food Bank.

Davis Rewards Teachers With ‘Way to Go’ Awards

Davis Elementary School recently recognized nine homeroom teachers and their classes with “Way to Go” awards for not having any unexcused absences for the first monthly attendance reporting period (August 20-September 17). Students stress the importance of being at school each day it is in session. Regular attendance plays an important role in academic performance. The teachers are, from left, Shenea Haynes, third grade; Markqueeta Dale, fourth grade; George Clausell, second grade; Melva Dupree, second grade; Patricia Johnson, third grade; Rico Felder, K-2 BIP; Katrina Hayden, first grade; and Benita Jackson, kindergarten. Not pictured is Veronica Smith, second grade.

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ACA Homecoming Queen

Congratulations to this year’s Alabama Christian Academy Homecoming queen, senior Anna Hatcher, and her court, Laura Lambert and Rebecca May, 12th grade attendants; Macey Jacobs, 9th grade attendant; Claire Colmans, 11th grade attendant; and Rachael Vogel, 10th grade attendant. Hatcher is the daughter of Jeff and Rachel Hatcher, both ACA Alumni. An interesting fact about Hatcher is that her grandmother was ACA’s Homecoming Queen in 1958.

Tickets: MPAC Box Office • 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com

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BrewTech Key Club Helps At AUM Adopt-a-Thon

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Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School’s Key Club recently volunteered at AUM’s annual “Find a Friend” Adopt-aThon this fall. The event helped local shelters place cats and dogs in loving homes.

The event was a great success with more than 50 pets being adopted! The participants included, front row: Alyssa Gable, Lesli Cooper, Te’Aisha Harris, Miranda Schofield, Precious Dosey and Sharolyn Parker; back row: Jerel Enriquez, Amber Anderson, Keiona McGehee, Lori Kerr, Jordan Ivey and Sydnie Glymph Montgomery Parents I November 2012

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Fl Alabama Co-op Helps with Ag Discovery Adventure

Eastwood First-Graders Focus on Grammar

First-graders at Eastwood Christian School were focused on grammar when they showed off their “reading eyes” while finding capitalizations and punctuations. Shown are Ben Duggar and Molly Katherine Mauney.

Send Your School News to: editor@montgomeryparents.com.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System, the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station and Auburn University’s College of Agriculture put on the Ag Discovery Adventure at the E.V. Smith Research Center in Shorter, September 28-30. At the Ag Discovery Adventure, young boys were taken around the research center and shown the modern innovation and practices in Alabama agriculture while also getting to enjoy a corn maze and hay rides around the farm. While there, they also had a chance to meet Dean Batchelor, dean of the College of Agriculture, and even had a chance to stop and take a photo. The demonstrations at the Ag Discovery Adventure were used to open the eyes of these young boys to the world of agriculture and the usefulness and practicality of it in our everyday lives.

From left are Glen Zorn, assistant commissioner of agriculture and industries, with his grandson, Curt Zorn of Opp; Will Driver, son of Claire Austin, and grandson of Ginger Austin; and Dr. William Batchelor, dean of the Auburn College of Agriculture.

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EVANGEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

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C hallenging a CademiC a tmosphere in a C hristian e nvironment Accredited AISA Blue Ribbon School Evangel Christian Academy is a ministry of Evangel Church in Montgomery, Alabama.

334-272-3882 ecalions.org Evangel Christian Academy admits students of any race, color, gender and national or ethnic origin.

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Floyd Middle Magnet’s New Volleyball Team Excels

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Floyd Middle Magnet School has introduced its first sports team, the Fabulous Fifteen Volleyball Team. After learning that the FMMS Panthers could have sports, Coach Johnson quickly had tryouts in August to start bumping, setting and spiking the team’s way to their first game at the beginning of September. With time not on their side, the team quickly prepared for their first challenge and won. After nine games in the regular season, the Fabulous Fifiteen won eight games and are going to the City Championships.

FMMS is also looking forward to participating in basketball, cheerleading, soccer, golf, wrestling and track this year.

Top row from left are: Jalyn Bowen, Alysa Vinson, Coach Johnson, Taylor Stallworth and Kaitlin Truslow; second row: Makayla Auls, Esther Mayo, Anna Russell, Jaycee Robinson and Madalyn Long; and bottom row: Carmen Saunders, Jayla Thomas, Joselyne Pennic, Logan Williams, Grace Purvis and Kristin Alford.

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Holy Cross Kindergartners Enjoy Apple Unit

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To celebrate this wonderful season when apples are so plentiful, the Holy Cross Episcopal School kindergarten class of Grace Ann Armagost decided to study a unit on apples. And what better way to begin their journey than with the infamous tale of Johnny Appleseed. The students began to study apples as a fruit and the different parts of the apple. Each child created and labeled his/ her own apple print and then displayed their works of art.

After learning the parts, the students at Holy Cross helped their teacher make homemade applesauce in the classroom for a sweet treat.

At the end of the unit on apples, the students each created a puppet of Johnny Appleseed to showcase. Students also designed a map of Johnny Appleseed’s trail and made apple books.

Shown, kindergarten teacher Grace Ann Armagost and her students prepare the ingredients to make the applesauce.

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A Magical New Twist on the Holiday Favorite!

Nov. 23–Dec. 23

SUA Builders Club Elects Officers for 2012-2013

Adapted from the novel by Charles Dickens

The first Builders Club of Success Unlimited Academy is comprised of twenty-five enthusiastic seventh- and eighth- grade students. Sponsored by the Montgomery Kiwanis Club, the SUA club is led by Toni Russell, president; Jordan Anderson, vice president; Mollison Thomas-Dean, treasurer; and Trinity Mays, secretary.

The Builders Club’s vision is to build leadership qualities through service to others.

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Girls’ Group at ACA Teaches Friend Skills

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Girls Rock is the name of a special group at Alabama Christian Academy Elementary. These third-grade girls meet twice a week to learn and practice the skills needed to be a good friend. Through crafts, games and discussion activities, these girls learn to appreciate and value the similarities and differences of the other girls in the group, and apply these same skills to other new friends that they meet.

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Bethany Christian Heralds Local Heroes

At Bethany Christian Academy, teachers are inspired to design cross-curriculum lessons that are God-centered and community-based. This year the anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy conveniently linked to the Pathways Reading Theme, “Heroes!” In an effort to make a connection between the course content and community outreach, Bethany Christian Academy’s teachers, students, and supportive parents were joined by Principal John Mosely and Pastor J.L. Watson as they visited Fire Station #6 in their community on September 11.

This special field trip was planned to commemorate the events of 9/11, but more importantly to salute the heroes in our community. Students presented songs of appreciation, a giant “thank you” card, a personally designed basket “filled to the brim” with healthy snacks, games for the firefighters, and several autographed copies of Steps to Christ.

Pastor Watson offered special prayers of thanksgiving and blessings.

That same day, Bethany Christian students visited Jackson Hospital and also presented songs of appreciation, gifts and autographed copies of Steps to Christ. Jackson Hospital’s director of emergency medicine was moved to tears as he accepted the gifts on behalf of the entire staff.

The students also had the opportunity to minister to two discouraged families who were at the hospital visiting seriously ill relatives. The Bethany Christian Academy community is proud to serve the heroes through service and outreach to others.

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Catholic Students Named Nat’l Merit Semifinalists Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School announces Giselle Simms, above, and Zachary Hulcher, below, as National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists. Simms is the daughter of Mariann and Douglas Simms of Wetumpka. Hulcher is the son of Vickie and Richard Hulcher of Montgomery. Both students will have the opportunity to compete for some 8,300 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million that will be offered next spring.

To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. The preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test serves as an initial screening of program entrants. In addition to the test scores, the student’s academic record, community involvement, leadership ability, and personal essay are considered when determining semifinalists. About 90 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the title of Merit Scholar.

Trinity Band Director Designs iPhone App

This football season at Trinity Presbyterian School, fans can look forward to a new and innovative way to stay informed about the Trinity Wildcats. Gene Butler, the marching band director at Trinity, designed an app for iPhones and Android devices that keeps users up to date with the Trinity Marching Band and the varsity football games where they perform. Features of this app include: recordings of cheers and songs the band leads during the games, directions to all of the games, the band’s twitter feed, and many other great components to keep Trinity’s football and marching band fans involved and connected. The app can be downloaded from the App Store or from the Android Market.

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Colonial History Project Comes to Life at MA

Evangel Names 2012 Homecoming Court

On October 3, Montgomery Academy seventh-grade students experienced a very unique presentation. For her Colonial History project, Martha Glen Sease taught fellow classmates how to shoe a horse while discussing her project topic, colonial blacksmithing. This project doesn’t seem too out of the ordinary - until the presentation begins and Sease has her real horse, Cookie, to demonstrate the craft. Students and teachers enjoyed gathering outside the Middle School to watch Sease and Cookie while learning about blacksmithing. Sease has been horseback riding since she was six years old and she loved being able to connect her love for horses with her school work.

Shown, Martha Glen Sease and history teacher Susan Riley, along with Cookie the horse.

Eastwood Classes Make S’mores

Evangel Christian Academy recently named its 2012 homecoming court. The ninth-grade attendant was Shania Jones; the tenth-grade attendant was Jordan Hunter; and the eleventh-grade attendant was Kayla Thompson. Jerica Brown was the twelfth-grade attendant and Sophie Key was named the 2012 homecoming queen. Key was crowned during halftime.

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Students in Miss Dennis’ and Mrs. Markwell’s fifth-grade classes enjoyed making their own s’mores with homemade pizza box ovens. This science project was gooey fun! Elliott Mangrum and Aubrey Grace are shown enjoying their s’mores.

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Trinity Senior Named Commended Student

Trinity Presbyterian School senior Jacqueline Morris was named Commended Student in the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program. About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Morris placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2013 competition by taking the 2011 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

“Recognizing academically talented students plays a fundamental role in the advancement of educational excellence within our nation,” commented an NMSC spokesperson. “The young people recognized as Commended students represent some of the best and brightest minds in the country as demonstrated by their outstanding performance in our highly competitive program.”

Catholic Volleyball Seniors Recognized at Final Game Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School varsity volleyball seniors were recognized at center court before the final home game of the season October 11. Each player was escorted to the court by his parents and congratulated by Principal Chad Barwick and school President Anne Ceasar. Natalie Sullivan, daughter of Johnny Sullivan and Linda Meharg; Hannah Barranco, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Steven Barranco; Callie Wilkinson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Brett Wilkinson; and Alex Manning, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Osten and Mr. Pat Manning, were each presented with yellow roses and a framed photo highlighting their last Montgomery Catholic volleyball season.

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Cornerstone Kindergarten Hosts Parents

In conjunction with their literature and geography study on the New England states, Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy’s kindergarten class hosted their parents for lunch. Parents were invited to Ma-Gra’s Hotdog Stand where their kindergarten student served lunch. The idea for the hotdog stand came to kindergarten teacher Leanne Lawrence as the students read the classic tale Night of the Moonjellies by Mark Shasha. The students also created a lap book with important information about the geography and history of New England. In addition, each student made a moonjelly to take home.

www.montgomeryparents.com

STJ Varsity Cheerleaders Generate School Spirit

Saint James cheerleaders have helped create strong support for the Trojans this year, in sports across the board. STJ’s 201213 varsity cheerleaders are: front row, Borden Cater, Bridget Johnson, Beth Oakley, Ashley Williamson, Countess Johnson, Sidney Brasfield and Abigail Dismuke; back row, Delaney Carter, Deanna Bruner, Rachel Parks, Carlee Naftel, Jordan Orender and Charlsie Rampy.

Holy Cross Students Enjoy ‘Runaway Pumpkin’ Book

Bill Wall, friend to the students and staff at Holy Cross Episcopal School, visits every week to assist with chapel services and to read to the first-grade class. Recently he read The Runaway Pumpkin to Mrs. Mann’s class. The story highlights the hilarious adventures of a pumpkin on the loose caused by the Baxter kids, Buck, Billy and their little sister Lil. The kids spy the biggest pumpkin they’ve ever seen, and they can’t resist trying to get it. Buck and Billy try to roll the pumpkin down the hill to show everyone, but it’s too big! Before they know it, it’s rolling down the hillside out of control. After the story, students traced pumpkins from templates and colored them to make them their own creation.

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“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13

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CELEBRATING 12 YEARS OF SUCCESS!

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BrewTech Robotics Team Garners Awards at Competition

Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School’s Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology (B.E.S.T.) Robotics Team members traveled to Smiths Station High School recently to participate in the War Eagle B.E.S.T. Robotics Competition.The 25 BrewTech students competed against 23 other teams from around east central Alabama.

BrewTech Robotics won the first-place award for Business Presentation, second-place award in Exhibit Booth, third-place award for Sportsmanship and second-place award in T-Shirt design. The team placed fourth in the overall B.E.S.T. Award and will be one of five teams competing from the War Eagle B.E.S.T. Hub against more than 55 teams from around the east coast in the SouthsB.E.S.T. Robotics Competition,which will be held December 1-2 at Auburn University.

The team is led by BrewTech Engineering Academy Instructor Steve Ballard.

Success Unlimited Academy, LLC Montgomery’s Foremost Institution Dedicated to Individualized Education

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Hooper Academy Announces 2012 Homecoming Court

Interdisciplinary Arts Programs Music Education • Drama Productions • Dance Education

From left are 7th-grader Abby Brasington, 8th-grader Laura Gravely, 9th-grader Jordan Reeves, 10th-grader Kamy Cobb, 11th-grader Sallie Barkley, 12th-grader Kayla Cantey, Queen Amanda Hobbs,12th-grader Jasmine Flores, 11th-grader Lindley Edwards, 10th-grader Madison McKenzie, 9th-grader Brooke Smith, 8th-grader Madeline Maxwell and 7th-grader Haleigh Gill.

Montgomery Parents I November 2012

After school programs (Praise Band, Guitar Lessons)

(334) 213-0803 • SACS Accredited 2328 Fairlane Drive • Montgomery, AL 36116 www.suacademy.com • K-12 33

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PRVFD Firefighters Teach Fire Safety at Macon-East

MA Girls’ Varsity Runners Take Third in Orlando

The Montgomery Academy Girls’ Varsity Cross Country team took third place in the 17th Annual Walt Disney World Cross Country Classic in October.

This competitive annual event attracted colleges and high schools from around the country with thousands of athletes competing. The 5K course provided MA runners a variety of terrain and a view on the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Three Lady Eagle runners were top ten runners and received medals. The Lady Eagles Middle School team also took third place in their division.

The Montgomery Academy Girls’ Varsity Cross Country team enjoyed their win at the 17th Annual Walt Disney World Cross Country Classic. From left are Taylor Gerard, Kaylee Quinn, Krisie Stakely, Drake McGowin, Ellie Herron, Maggie Chambers and Emily Pierce.

To the amazement of more than 120 students at Macon-East Montgomery Academy, a bright red fire truck along with the Children’s Fire Safety House rolled up on October 10. There was no fire alarm – just hands-on fire safety lessons every child needs. Pike Road firefighters “answered the call” as part of the school’s annual safety program, which brings Pike Road fire fighters and first responders to speak to classrooms.

The PRVFD firefighters engaged with the kindergarten through third-grade students at Macon-East Montgomery Academy. Students had the opportunity to meet firefighters and learn about clothes they wear and equipment they use to fight fires. Students were also taught how to stay safe and escape a fire. Afterwards, they were able to practice and perform what they were taught by touring the Department’s Children’s Fire Safety House.

A special guest was in attendance with the firefighters. Sparky the fire dog is an important member of the team at Fire Station Number 1. Sparky, escorted through the halls by firefighters Scott Powell, BJ Green, Andrew Parker and Barry Glassford, spoke to each class and shared fire safety tips along the way. At the end of the fire safety presentation, every student received a fire prevention-themed bag of goodies, filled with crayons, stickers and coloring books.

“We look forward to Pike Road Fire Department’s fire prevention program because it is never too early to learn about fire safety and prevention,” said K4 teacher Janet Johnson. “The children are fascinated by the firefighters dressed up in their gear, they pay attention, and I think that the firefighters enjoy interacting with the children.”

Mrs. Johnson’s class is shown with Pike Road firefighter BJ Green.

Catholic Band Students Place Third in Invitational

Third-Graders Complete Community Service

Mrs. Dixon’s third-grade class at Fitzpatrick Elementary has learned what it means to be productive citizens. Every month the thirdgraders are required to do community service.

The first kick off was a success. They learned the importance of keeping their school clean. www.montgomeryparents.com

The Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Marching Knights competed at the Huntingdon Marching Invitational held at Huntingdon College on October 13. The Band placed overall third in Class A, and was rated Superior by every judge in every possible caption, including Color Guard, Drumline, Drum Major, and overall Band.

From left are Ashley Sulzby (10), Kaleb Libby (11), Will Brunson (11), Kristina Vanella (11), Mandy Jones (10) and William Russell (10).

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ST Holy Cross Resource Teacher Wears Many Hats Marcia Bazzell, the resource teacher at Holy Cross Episcopal School, is more than a resource teacher. Her daily duties span from working with children that may require extra assistance in more demanding subjects to working with those that are advanced in their studies and need additional

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challenges. Then there are days where she is busy planning the next charitable event/ fundraiser. Throughout the day, her class sizes can range from one to seven. She can also be seen in the classrooms working hands-on along with the teachers when needed. Bazzell also provides suggestions for activities to reinforce skills and enhance units of study.

In addition to her daily duties, Bazzell can be seen perusing the hallways snapping photos of students during creative time, presentations or buddy time with other students.

She also carries the title of Outreach Project coordinator. She is usually at the helm of these projects and is an advocate for promoting involvement among the students and staff at Holy Cross. While working with the

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Montgomery Humane Shelter is an annual and worthwhile event, she also is in charge of the Christmas outreach project that partners with MACOA, and the Ronald McDonald House pop-top fundraiser which she personally brought to Holy Cross more than 11 years ago. “We encourage the kids to participate in this mission. Plus, the classes get to have a Popsicle party, once they turn in their first gallon jug full of pop-tops,” said Bazzell. “One year, the sixth-grade class took a field trip to the Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham to deliver the pop-tops in person.”

“Science is Fun” is another project that Bazzell has taken on under her many hats and endless list of duties. The hallways and doorways are full of student project photos of all the extraordinary and fun activities related to science. “My job is different every single day, which keeps it interesting and exciting.”

Montgomery Parents I November 2012

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STJ Student Body Commemorates National Anthem’s 198th Birthday The entire Saint James School student body and faculty– more than 1,100 voices strong -- joined schools across the U.S. September 14 to celebrate the 198th birthday of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” By gathering on the school’s quad exactly at 9 a.m., Saint James students celebrated the event simultaneously with other schools across the U.S. The initiative is an effort to spotlight the important role that music education plays in giving Americans a patriotic voice.

Students were guided in the song by the Saint James Trojan Marching Band, led by band director Susan Smith, and the Saint James Chorus, led by choral director Lis Donaldson. The 187th Color Guard from the Air National Guard at Dannelly Field presented the colors.

“The Star-Spangled Banner” was penned by Washington attorney Francis Scott Key at a dramatic moment during the War of 1812. On the night of September 13, 1814, Key watched as the country was attacked by the British navy at Fort McHenry. After watching the rockets’ red

Montgomery Parents I November 2012

glare and bombs bursting in air throughout the night, dawn broke. Key was expecting to find Baltimore firmly under British control, but he was stunned to see a battered but still flying American flag waving in the sunrise. So inspired was Key that he wrote the poem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” on September 14, 1814. Set to a tune attributed to John Stafford Smith, the song became America’s national anthem in 1931.

The National Anthem Project, sponsored by The National Association for Music Education, is a nationwide attempt to generate student familiarity with the words and history of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The National Anthem Campaign is supported by leading organizations in the U.S., including the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, The History Channel, Girl Scouts USA, the Walt Disney Company, the American Legion, and Jeep, to name a few.

This is the eighth year Saint James has participated in the effort to increase student knowledge about the national

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anthem. Because of its longtime participation in the campaign, the Music Educators National Conference has named Saint James a “National Anthem Project All Star School.”

Below, STJ K-4 students from Corinne Capilouto’s class, Henry Howell and Ella Finkelstein.

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Academy Forensics Program Named in Top One Percent

The Montgomery Academy forensics program has earned significant recognition by the National Forensic League (NFL).

Because the chapter achieved 300 degrees or more last year, it has placed in the top 1% of NFL chapters nationwide and earned membership in the League’s prestigious Societé de 300. Such a milestone is remarkable because it demonstrates outstanding commitment to teaching students essential life skills–communication, research, listening, writing and organization.

The Academy Forensics program is directed by Jay Rye. Rye received the prestigious Fourth Diamond Award last year–one of only four debate coaches in the country that received that honor. An NFL Diamond Award recognizes a professional career that combines excellence and longevity. The NFL provides diamond awards based on coach points received. A coach may receive 1/10th the points of every student coached and 1/10th of the points earned as a student member of the NFL. After attaining a total of 1,500 points, a member coach is entitled to wear a diamond set key or pin; additional diamonds accrue at 3,000 points, 6,000 points, 10,000 points, and each 3,000 points thereafter. The minimum time between earning each diamond is five years as an NFL member coach.

Rye received special recognition at the Lincoln Financial Group/NFL National Speech and Debate Tournament in Indianapolis, Indiana in June 2012.

Catholic Key Club Members Complete 700 Service Hours

Twenty Montgomery Catholic High School Key Club members performed more than 700 service hours over the summer!

These students worked on projects such as mission trips, summer camps, Bible school, sports camps, and yard work. Several of them helped in the office at school getting papers filed, classrooms cleaned and ready, and the flower beds weed-free and pretty!

Shown are Shelby Taff, Jarrett Mason, Callie Wilkinson, Sarah Talbot, Zach Hulcher, Chase Williams, James Sherman and Alex Castanza. Not pictured: Seul-Lee Beak, Eric Crenshaw, Ali Harper, Jacob Hulcher, Derek Kelly, Daniel Lobello, Caroline Maloney, Sydney O’Connor, Abby Rohde, Spencer Starr, Ally Taylor and Maggie Ward.

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STJ’s Josef Jackson Named National Merit Semifinalist

Saint James School senior Josef Jackson has been named a National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalist, a prestigious honor awarded to only 16,000 students nationwide, from 1,500,000 program entrants. As a semifinalist, Jackson has an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,300 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. About 90 percent of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and more than half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.

In addition to being an honor student, Smith is Drum Major in the Saint James School Marching Trojans Band. He said he hopes to study medicine and become a physican, so he is giving strong consideration to attending Vanderbilt University or the University of Georgia.

“The scholarship money would certainly be a help, since I’m looking at out-of-state schools,” Jackson said.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance, was established in 1955. Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its own funds and by approximately 440 business organizations and higher education institutions that share NMSC’s goals of honoring the nation’s scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence.

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Evangel Celebrates Homecoming

The students at Evangel Christian Academy recently enjoyed celebrating Spirit Week.

During the festive event, the students were allowed to dress up each day and participate in various activities. The elementary classes enjoyed a special homecoming carnival. The 7th–12th grade classes each decorated a car/ float and invited the elementary classes to a schoolwide parade. All the excitement of the week came to a climax on Friday night.

The ECA alumni were invited to a special reception and homecoming football game.

During halftime, the homecoming court arrived via a special tropical paradise-themed float. The homecoming court was presented and the queen was crowned. The following evening, the high school students enjoyed a homecoming banquet.

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MPS Names 10 Nat’l Achievement Semifinalists, Nat’l Hispanic Scholar

Ten Montgomery Public School students have been included on a distinguished list of the nation’s top African-American and Hispanic students by being named National Achievement Semifinalists and National Hispanic Scholars. The news coincided with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation’s release of the names of Achievement Semifinalists and the College Board’s release of the names of National Hispanic Scholars nationwide.

MPS leads the state with more Achievement Semifinalists than any other school system. Of the 46 Alabama students to be named, nine are from Loveless Academic Magnet Program High. James Bethea, Breana Davis, Judy Oranika, Lindsey Redd, Akaninyene Ruffin, Timothy Scanterbury, Joshua Tippett, Mary Vandiver and Rick Watkins are now among 1,600 students from a pool of 160,000 who applied for the program nationwide. LAMP student Gabriela Hayes is among 5,000 students selected nationwide as a National Hispanic Scholar.

“It’s very gratifying to see our students earn national recognition that acknowledges their hard work and commitment to academic excellence,” said MPS Superintendent Barbara Thompson. “These young people are bright and highly motivated. They have proven themselves to be among the best of the best. The LAMP administration, teachers, staff and parents have done an outstanding job. I am very proud of what they have achieved.”

Achievement Semifinalists represent the highest scoring program entrants in each state. About 80 percent of Semifinalists become Finalists, and more than half of the Finalists receive a $2,500 Achievement Scholarship Award.

The students were evaluated based on their scores on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, academic record, community involvement, leadership ability and personal essay. They will advance in the competition and will have the opportunity to compete for 800 Achievement Scholarship awards worth some $2.5 million to be offered next spring.

Though the National Hispanic Scholars program does not provide a financial reward, being named is an important academic recognition. The program sends a list of all recognized students to subscribing colleges and universities that are particularly interested in academically outstanding seniors of Hispanic or Latino heritage.

Cornerstone Hosts Back To School Fellowship

Lagoon Park’s Pete Peterson Lodge was the site of Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy’s Back to School Fellowship. The school welcomed new and returning families with a picnic dinner and games. Many of the families enjoyed a relaxing opportunity to renew friendships after the summer vacation. Cornerstone board member Michele Hough distributed a prayer guide for all of the families and each class met together for a time of corporate prayer. www.montgomeryparents.com

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Trinity Physics Class Goes Treasure Hunting

The search was on for physics students at Trinity Presbyterian School when class began with only an envelope that contained a list of clues and a challenge to find treasure. The clues were a list of distances that would otherwise be useless without the direction to go with it. The directions and distances led them to other teachers and administrators on campus. These planted helpers held the envelopes containing more distances with direction to lead groups closer to the treasure.

One wrong turn and the group would be off course. For instance, Upper School librarian Linda Hastey had one group’s clue set but another group came to her, too, asking for theirs.

Just two meters over and three meters back sat Upper School history teacher Donna Siebenthaler (very quietly waiting) with the other clue set. The group finally figured it out! The differences between scalar quantities and vector quantities /distance and displacement was firmly established for these students as they made their way all over campus looking for their surprises.

Congratulations to Romil Patel, James Pate and Allen Wood. They were the first group to arrive at the planned destination. Reid Holt, Jack Albritton and Will Clements came in a close second and discovered the hidden treasure--candy for all.

Will Clements is shown holding Red Team instructions for the treasure hunt.

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MA Jr. High Runners Take State Win

The Montgomery Academy Junior High Cross Country team took home a statewide win at the MA Big XC Invitational meet held at Gateway Park during the last weekend of September.

Montgomery Academy’s Scotland Kemper won the 3200m girls race in 15:08, Alice McGowin placed second (15:09), Kate Dockery took 8th (16:17), Claire Phillips placed 9th (16:26), Mimi Hope was 14th (17:59) and Anne Miles Demott rounded out the top 15 runners (18:00). The team scored 33 points beating Opelika with 44 points.

The Montgomery Academy Junior High Cross Country team at the starting line before their win at the MA Big XC Invitational held at Gateway Park. Running for the Lady Eagles are, from left, Kelsey Grant, Claire Phillips, Victoria Hughes, Alice McGowin, Scotland Kemper, Mimi Hope, Kate Dockery and Anne Miles Demott.

Library Programs Increase at SUA

The Success Unlimited Academy elementary campus on Harrison Road is enjoying Library Day on Wednesdays with Principal Alred. Reading Specialist Debbie Gibson is excited about the opportunities students have at SUA to improve their reading skills. “We not only encourage weekly library visits, but students participate daily in the SIPPS Reading Program. SIPPS is a phonics-based reading program that teaches word attack skills and fluency,” Gibson said.

Several books were purchased this summer for the library, including an assortment of new books for ESL students. Book reports, contests and reading for pleasure are all part of Gibson’s reading plan. She attended a conference last spring called Successful Reader in Huntsville. “We hope to incorporate that reading program into our curriculum soon,” she said.

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Professor Lagard Smith Addresses Cornerstone

Lighthouse Preschoolers Enjoy Circus Week The K2 & K3 classes at Lighthouse Christian Academy had a great Circus Adventure. They concluded their week of learning about the circus by performing their own circus. They had fun jumping through the ring of fire, walking the tight rope and many more activities.Dressing as performers was a highlight of the adventure. To join in with all the fun, call 271-4200.

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Students at Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy had the pleasure of listening to Professor LaGard Smith as he presented a message from Luke 2 at the school’s weekly chapel meeting. Smith is a visiting professor at the Jones School of Law and also author/commentator of The Daily Bible (the NIV in chronological order). Following his chapel address, Smith spent more time with Cornerstone’s upper school students answering their questions about the Daily Bible and the Narrated Bible which Cornerstone uses as part of its curriculum.

“It is so exciting to have Professor Smith speak to our students. We have appreciated his help and insights in our Bible study and for the students to express their gratitude and ask questions of Mr. Smith is a valuable learning experience,” commented Lee Gonet, teacher of Cornerstone’s Omnibus 1 class. The Omnibus curriculum is a worldview curriculum that presents history, literature, English and Bible from an integrated Christian perspective.

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ACA First-Graders Join Super Star Student Club

Alabama Christian Academy’s first-grade classes are members of a special club, the Super Star Student Club! Each student completed a membership application and was then presented a membership card. Club members meet once a week, with the elementary school counselor, to focus on school skills and character traits that help the first-graders maintain their super star status.

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Evangel’s Kindergartners Celebrate Johnny Appleseed

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The K-4 and K-5 classes at Evangel Christian Academy recently celebrated the birthday of John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed. In honor of his birthday, the students learned about his life and apples. The children participated in a variety of apple-related activities such as color and size comparison. They discussed how apples are grown and harvested.

The students also enjoyed tasting various types of apples and treats made from the delicious fruit. The children discovered that Johnny Appleseed planted apple trees throughout America and was a missionary to the Native Americans.

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ECA Students Meet at School’s Flagpole to Pray

Recently the students from Evangel Christian Academy joined together at the school’s flagpole to pray for their school and country. The annual “See You at the Pole” event is celebrated each year by students all across the United States. All of the classes from the school were represented from the 4-year-old class to the school’s seniors. During the student-directed event, several students prayed and led praise and worship. Pastor Chris White, Evangel Church’s youth pastor, delivered a short sermon titled “For Such a Time as This.” Several parents, teachers and members of Evangel Temple joined the students at the flagpole. Also in attendance was Rev. Michael Rippy, senior pastor of Evangel Church and president of ECA.

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ACA First-Graders Meeting AR Goals

First-graders at Alabama Christian Academy are very excited about the Accelerated Reader Program! These students met their first AR goal of five points and were treated to popsicles as a reward. Firstgraders may choose from a large variety of books to read from both their classroom and the elementary library. What a sweet way to begin a love of reading!

23rd Annual

Family Night Out Fall Carnival ALL PROCEEDS GO TO MISSIONS

• Concessions Sold on Site • Game Tickets .50¢ & Wrist Bands $15 • Games & Inflatables for Toddlers to Adults • Rock Wall, Dunk Tank, Twin Spin, Jousting, & Face Painting • Prize Redemption Booth for Kids • Homemade Cake Auction • 100 Free Giveaways including a 2 Night/ 3 Day Stay at Orange Beach Beach Cottage

Friday, November 9th 6:00 P.M. Games & Concessions Begin

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Academy Students Engage In Community Service Day

On September 27, Montgomery Academy upper school students participated in Fall Community Day, an event sponsored by HEART, the Academy’s community service club. Community Day, a tradition at the Academy, takes place in both the spring and fall and places students and faculty in agencies across the Montgomery area. HEART President Hendrick Adams shared the following perspective: “Volunteering not only gives our students a chance to make a difference locally, but also reinforces a sense of community.”

During Community Day, students visited 27 agencies, volunteering their time performing various tasks assigned by their agency.

The students played games and read books to children at Head Start programs, bathed animals at shelters, cleaned up at YMCAs and spent time with senior citizens. Academy upper school students truly made a meaningful and positive impact at each organization they worked. “I really enjoyed being with the children,” said Lilla Bea Granger, who went to Taylor Road Head Start. “They loved doing crafts with us and having us read to them.

It really brightened my day.”

HEART also sponsors a blood drive the day after Community Day each semester.

Coordinated by HEART Secretary/Treasurer Hollan Smith, the fall blood drive was a success with students, parents, alumni, faculty and staff donating blood.

Agencies where students volunteered for Fall Community Day included Salvation Army, Eastview Retirement Center, Southeast YMCA, Faith Mission (Thrift Store), E.D. Nixon Head Start, Dozier Elementary School, Community of Hope, Newtown Head Start, Hospice of Montgomery, MACOA, Narrow Lane Head Start, Brantwood Children’s Home, Jeff Davis Head Start, MANE, Habitat for Humanity, Nellie Burge, Children’s Center of Montgomery, Taylor Road Head Start, St. John Head Start, Trinity Head Start, Montgomery Humane Society and Prattville Humane Shelter.

Shown, MA students work at MANE as part of Community Service Day. Montgomery Parents I November 2012

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College Board Names STJ Advanced Placement Scholars

Fourteen Trinity Students Earn AP Scholar Awards Fourteen Trinity Presbyterian School students have earned AP Scholar Awards in recognition of their exceptional achievement on AP Exams. The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program provides willing and academically prepared students with the opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school, and to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on the AP Exams. About 18 percent of the more than 1.9 million students worldwide who took AP Exams performed at a sufficiently high level to also earn an AP Scholar Award. The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on student’ performance on AP Exams: Sarah Young qualified for the AP scholar with Distinction Award by earning an average score of a least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.

Six students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an average score of a least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. These students are Camille Carpenter, Jackson Fendley, Lauren Kendrick, Stone Phillips, Sarah Kathryn Portis and Nina Smith.

Seven students qualified for the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP Exams with scores of 3 or higher.

The AP Scholars are Ashlyn Brown, Christopher Colee, Tanner Cox, Kelsey Henderson, Dawson Morris, Jacqueline Morris and Romil Patel.

Shown are Trinity seniors who qualified as AP Scholars with their AP scores as juniors: Romil Patel, Nina Smith, Tanner Cox, Jacqueline Morris and Christopher Colee www.montgomeryparents.com

The College Board has recognized 16 Saint James School students for earning AP Scholar Award status due to their exceptional achievement on Advanced Placement (AP) exams. The College Board’s AP Program provides motivated and academically prepared students with the opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school, and to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on the AP exams. Only about 20 percent of the 2.1 million students worldwide who took AP exams performed at a sufficiently high level to also earn an AP Scholar Award.

Six STJ students qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award, by earning an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and grades of three or higher on five or more of these exams. These students are Dewey Davis, Sammie Eiring, Carter Lloyd, Austin Meadows, Ricky Sieber and Savannah Smith, all members of the 2012 STJ graduating class.

Four STJ students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award, by earning an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, with grades of three or higher on four or more of these exams.

These students are 2013 seniors: Elliot Burrow, Josef Jackson and Grayson Rutherford, as well as 2012 graduate Maria Beddingfield.

Six Saint James students qualified for the AP Scholar Award, by completing three or more AP exams with grades of three or higher. These AP scholars are Saint James 2013 seniors Amelia Hanan, Reed O’Mara, Chase Ritter and Hannah Ritter, as well as 2012 seniors John Bradford and Branden Greenberg.

Sixteen STJ students were named AP Scholars by the College Board. Members of the Class of 2013 named AP Scholars are, front from left, Hannah Ritter, Reed O’Mara and Amelia Hanan; and back, Elliot Burrow, Grayson Rutherford, Josef Jackson and Chase Ritter. Members of last year’s STJ graduating class who were recently named AP Scholars (not pictured) are John Bradford, Branden Greenberg, Maria Beddingfield, Dewey Davis, Sammie Eiring, Carter Lloyd, Austin Meadows, Ricky Seeber and Savannah Smith.

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Holy Cross Students Show Selfless Act

Holy Cross Episcopal School sixth-grade students Bradley Westhauser and Hanson Jacobs recently celebrated their birthdays. Instead of asking for the typical presents young kids usually ask for from friends, they asked their classmates to bring items needed for the Montgomery Humane Shelter. Things like toys, food, towels, blankets and newspaper were just a few of the items collected. Since both boys’ birthdays were close to the “Blessing of the Animals” event that combines with the donation of items to the shelter, the boys were able to get a lot of goodies to add to the massive pile of “must-haves” that all Holy Cross students, teachers and parents had already provided.

Montgomery Humane Shelter representative Mary Hughes was overjoyed by the donations.

Shown, Hanson Jacobs and Bradley Westhauser celebrated their birthdays by donating a basket of goodies from their classmates to the Montgomery Humane Shelter.

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Soccer Players Represent Montgomery Catholic

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s Holy Spirit Campus has several students that play for Montgomery’s Capital City Streaks, which is an elite competitive soccer club. This past August, the Capital City Streaks U-9, U-10 and U-11 boys teams competed at the Auburn Thunder Road Classic in Auburn. The CCS U-10 white won first place in the tournament, with a record of 4-0-0, scoring 36 goals, with 5 scored against. This solidified their first-place state ranking, and placed the team 32nd in the nation.

The CCS U-10 blue team, which is a younger version of the U-10 white team, did well in the tournament and is ranked fourth in the state.

The CCS U-11 team had the best record of the tournament, but missed first place due to bracket break out. The record was 2-1-0, scoring 26 goals with 7 scored against. They beat the winner of the tournament, 7-3. This placed them at fifth in the state, and in the top 100 in the nation.

From left are Michael Russo (Fifth Grade, U-11), Zach Pappanastos (Fifth Grade, U-11), Gabe Russo (Third Grade, U-10 Blue), Kolbe Russo (Fourth Grade, U-10 White), and Martin O’Grady (Fifth Grade, U-11).

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SUA Starts New Volleyball Team

The beginning of the 2012-2013 school year brought more than new classes and classmates to Success Unlimited Academy.

The season also brought a new sport to SUA. Fourteen girls joined the volleyball team in early August under the direction of Athletic Director Jack Moody and Coach Jacquie Virgil.

“I am very pleased with how much these girls have accomplished during their first season. We have some talented young ladies that just continue to improve each time we hit the court,” remarked Coach Virgil.

Bottom from left are the 2012 Mustang Girls’ Volleyball Team: Britnee Howard, Tyaneshia Williams, Darby Angle andTrinity Mays; back row, Coach Moody, Elizabeth Perkins, Bethany Odle, Vastee Dubose, Dia Smith, Sarah Moody, Artisia Peagler and Coach Virgil. Not pictured: Jean Flournoy, Shoni Moncrief and Candace Shorter.

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SUA Gives Fairlane Campus Library & Resource Center

Holy Spirit Campus Elects Student Council

Students at Success Unlimited Academy now have access to a library and media center at their school. Tenth-grader Bethany Odle worked all summer scanning the 3,000 books into the school’s library automation system, Alexandria.

“It was a lot of work, but it is great to see the completion of the project,” Odle remarked. Students not only have access to many new books and materials but each student will soon receive library cards from the Montgomery Public Library. “This will give our students access to the many e-books the public library offers as well as provide the students with access to the city’s expansive collection of resource materials,” says Principal Susan Alred.

The resource center was constructed this summer by Landmark Construction, as part of the school’s overall school improvement plan.

Many new books were purchased and donated over the summer to improve the existing resources made available to our students. “The alcove in front of the school provided the perfect space for the new addition,” said Alred.

Montgomery Catholic’s Holy Spirit Campus Student Council was elected in September. The students in grades K4 through third cast their votes for their favorite breakfast, book, nursery rhymes and snacks while grades four through six selected their candidates for the student council executive committee. Students at both elementary campuses of Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School selected their student council officers on Patriot Day using real voting booths from the Montgomery County Election Center and each received an “I Voted” sticker when they cast their ballot.

Winners were President Thomas McLaughlin, Vice President Matthew Klinger, Secretary Martin O’Grady, Treasurer Gabe McBeal and Chaplain Michael Russo.

Third-grader Angeles Gonzales-Ansaldi is shown casting her vote as her classmate, Jake Talbot, waits his turn.

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Montgomery Parents I November 2012

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Academy Chorus Attends Chorale Colloquium Montgomery Academy upper school chorus members recently attended the Second Annual Mississippi State Choral Colloquium held at Mississippi State University. Middle and upper school choruses from Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi were in attendance for the two-day conference, which involved sessions of rehearsing various pieces with different college chorale conductors, with the final event being an Honor Choir performance composed of members from the participating schools.

The Montgomery Academy chorus was honored to be one of only two high school chorale groups selected to perform at the seminar for the other schools.

Director of the Arts and Upper

School chorus director Damion Womack was excited Academy chorus members had the chance to attend the conference.

“It’s a great experience for our kids to be in a workshop with such fine collegiate conductors,” he said. Womack was asked to teach two of the classes at the seminar, one on teaching first-time singers and the other on teaching tried and proven choral

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gems. It was an honor for Womack to be selected to join the prestigious group of educators leading this seminar, which included chorale directors from Oklahoma State University, Central Florida and Texas A&M. “It was a great experience,” said chorus member Layne Williams. “It was really tough – we had to learn all new music that we had never seen before, and it was a bit of a struggle to get it all down in just two days – but I feel like it helped us tremendously as a group. I think we all feel that we are better musicians and more cohesive as a group after attending this event.”

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Autauga County Schools is once again eagerly preparing for AdvancED District Accreditation. This procedure engages the entire school community in a continuous process of self-evaluation, reflection, and improvement. It invites external analysis and welcomes the constructive feedback of peers. It demands rigor, is based on data, and approaches documentation of results with discipline.

To prepare for the visit, the district has participated in completing an executive summary, a series of parent, staff and student surveys, a thorough analysis of student data, and a continuous improvement plan. Additionally, the district and each of its schools completed a self assessment to correlate with the five AdvancED standards: Purpose and Direction, Governance and Leader-

ship, Teaching and Assessing for Learning, Resource and Support Systems, and Using Results for Continuous Learning.

The most crucial component in the accreditation process is having a strong and effective strategic plan. This strategic plan will serve as a blueprint, for the next five years, from which the system will build and enhance the educational foundation for all students of the Autauga County School System. Earlier this year, approximately sixty educators, parents, and community members assembled to lay the foundation to develop this plan. Teachers, parents, and community members alike were most excited about Autauga County’s new vision statement: Every Student a Graduate; Every Graduate a Success.

The external visit for the school district is scheduled for February 3-6, 2013. A fivemember team will spend time interviewing teachers, administrators, students, parents, and community members. They will visit schools and review artifacts to validate the findings of the school district’s internal review. An exit report will be given and a thorough report of the team’s findings will be sent to the district within a few weeks following the visit.

The district is excited about the benefits gained from accreditation through objective peer review, attainment of high standards, and engagement in continuous improvement.

Having gone through this process once before in May of 2007, Autauga County Schools hope to once again receive an external mark of quality; become part of an international network of 23,000 schools and districts in 65 countries; and gain access to a wide range of resources, professional development, and tools to assist them with continuous improvement. Perhaps more importantly are the benefits that students will receive from accreditation because, through this process, the district has committed to raising student performance and will be held accountable for improving student learning on a continual basis.

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Spence Agee is the Superintendent of Education for Autauga County Schools. He is a third generation educator with an ED.S. in Educational Leadership.

He has 16 years of experience in the education field as well as 25 years of military experience. Agee is an active member at First Baptist Church in Prattville. He and his wife, Cesily, who is also an educator, have two daughters, Abby and Addison.

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New Hope Students Visit Lanark

New Hope Academy students recently enjoyed a field trip to Lanark in Millbrook. Students took a “Wooded Wonderland” hike throughout the park, where they learned all about tree identification and local ecosystems. The photo shows students testing the age of a tree.

Students also enjoyed learning how to use tools to figure out the age of trees and what plants can be used as food for both humans and animals. While touring the nature trails, students learned about different types of trees, as well as the importance of marshlands and the animals that inhabit them.

PCA Key Club Collects Cell Phones for HopeLine

Prattville Christian Academy’s Key Club has been very busy. On October 4, Key Club sponsor Morgan Cook held a schoolwide assembly to announce the PCA Key Club’s need to collect as many used cell phones as possible to donate to Verizon Wireless for the HopeLine project. Members placed collection boxes throughout the school, and within a week PCA students and staff collected more than 200 cell phones to donate to HopeLine for victims of domestic violence.

HopeLine is an initiative sponsored by Verizon Wireless, which collects wireless devices and accessories that are no longer used. The phones and accessories can be refurbished, recycled and/or sold, with phones and proceeds benefiting victims of domestic violence through grants and the donations of wireless phones and services.

First Lady Dianne Bentley was at Prattville Christian Academy on October 12 to join members of the Key Club and donate used cell phones to HopeLine. As an advocate for domestic violence victims, Mrs. Bentley has led various efforts to collect hundreds of cell phones for HopeLine throughout the year. Combined with the phones collected by PCA, more than a thousand phones were donated to Verizon and accepted by the Verizon representative Marcus January.

“The PCA Key Club is a service organization, so we are all excited to be a part of this effort that exemplifies serving the community through helping victims of domestic violence,” said PCA Key Club President Lauren Davis.

Cook said she was very proud of the effort and results of the phone drive, adding, “We truly appreciate the support of Mrs. Bentley’s office. Her dedication to the HopeLine project inspired us all.”

Shown, front row from left: Heidi Keiffer, Avery Wagner, Mrs. Dianne Bentley, Abby Abernathy, Key Club Vice President; and Lauren Davis, Key Club President.

Back row: PCA sponsor Morgan Cook and Marcus January, Verizon representative.

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PCA Competes in Speech And Debate Tourneys

September 14-15, Prattville Christian Academy’s Speech and Debate Team entered its first-ever tournament, the John C. Stennis Novice Tournament at Mississippi State University. Event planners said it was the largest speech tournament ever held there. Hunter Woodley and Jordan Forshay entered Policy Debate, made it to the semi-finals and finished third overall.

Hugh Kennedy entered Impromptu Speech and made it to the final round and placed fifth overall.

One week later, the PCA debate team entered a second tournament at Vestavia Hills High School in Birmingham. Fourteen students competed and the following placed in the event: Chris Searcy, at left, won first place in Extemporaneous Speaking; Hunter Woodley received second place overall speaker in Policy Debate; Hunter Woodley and Jordan Graham placed second in the Policy Debate; Shane Parks won fourth place in poetry/prose division; and Logan Crawford and Justin Sawyer took second place in duo interpretation.

The debate team is off to a good start and currently has 26 students on the team with more joining.

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Over the past several years, I have served on the Board of Directors of the A+ Education Partnership, a statewide organization that works tirelessly on behalf of Alabama public schools.

Over the past two years, our Elmore County School District has enjoyed the immediate impact of this group’s good work through our involvement with the A+ College Ready Program, a division of the A+ Education Partnership.

Elmore County Schools recently served as the host for the annual A+ College Ready Statewide Celebration here in our gymnasium at Stanhope-Elmore High School in the heart of our Millbrook community. Our special guests on that day included Governor Robert Bentley, State Superintendent of Education Tommy Bice, U.S. Representative Martha Roby, and

school superintendents from throughout Alabama.

The story of Elmore County’s success in the A+ College Ready Advanced Placement Training and Incentive Program is truly amazing.

In fall of 2010, one of our high schools, Wetumpka High, joined the A+ College Ready Program. As a result of the two years of professional development provided to our teachers, the extra support provided to our students, and the commitment of Wetumpka’s math, science and English AP teachers, five times as many students are now served in AP classes (68 to 389 for 472%). This spring 61 students received qualifying scores in AP math, science and English classes compared to 11 qualifying scores prior to participation in the program.

In fall of 2011, a second high school, Stanhope Elmore, joined the A+ College Ready family. In a single year, the number of AP math, science and English courses tripled, and last spring we saw a sevenfold increase in the number of qualifying scores, from 9 to 62 in a single year!

I am excited to announce that a third Elmore County school, Elmore County

High School (ECHS), has been selected to participate in the A+ College Ready program. This fall there are five AP math, science and English courses at ECHS compared to two last year, and currently, 228 students have an opportunity to participate in an AP math, science and English class compared to 42 last year.

I am delighted to celebrate Elmore County’s amazing growth and success in AP. I am appreciative of our neighboring district, Montgomery Public Schools and Superintendent Barbara Thompson, whose early involvement and success in the A+ College Ready Program helped to pave the way for other school districts to participate in this wonderful opportunity! I am excited about the program not only in our schools, but also in 64 schools across Alabama! It is even more exciting that this year, a fifth cohort of 12 additional schools have been added (including our ECHS) to this prestigious list.

Dr. Jeff Langham is the Superintendent of Education for Elmore County Schools. Now in his eighth year as the system’s leader, he has a total of 27 years of experience in the field of education. Langham is an active member at Landmark Church in Montgomery. He and his wife, Ginny, a nurse educator, have one daughter, Weldon.

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Recycling Fundraiser Helps Victory Baptist School

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Students of Victory Baptist School have been earning free cash by participating in the Funding Factory Recycling Program.

They collect empty cartridges, cell phones, small electronics and laptops from the community and send the waste products to Funding Factory in exchange for their choice of technology and recreation products, or even cash.

Companies interested in demonstrating a commitment to education and the environment can participate free of charge in the Funding Factory Business Support Program. Funding Factory will send each supporting business FREE prepaid shipping labels for the return of collected cartridges, cell phones, small electronics, and laptops. By donating to Victory Baptist School, businesses help them earn the technology and or recreational equipment they need.

Community and business supporters can also drop off cartridges, cell phones, small electronics, and laptops at the school located at 3151 Highway 14 in Millbrook.

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Elmore County High School Students Chosen for Committee

Two students from each Elmore County high school and the Elmore County Technical Center have been selected to serve on the 2012-2013 Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee and will meet with Superintendent Jeff Langham throughout the school year.

Dr. Langham stated the purpose of the student committee is to give students a voice and enable him to know what students are thinking. It also provides students a venue to develop leadership skills.

This group of students represents their student body and will discuss various issues and concerns relating to their schools and/or the school system. The first of several meetings was held recently.

School representatives are: Hunter Davis and Morgan Robinson from Elmore County High School, Jaquilla Ellis and Shelby Hazelip from Holtville High School, Rebecca Robins and Ahmad Hawkins from Stanhope Elmore High School, Karen Teel and Art Smith from Wetumpka High School, and Truss Bethea and Anum Hussain from Elmore County Technical Center.

Redland Chooses Easley Teacher of the Year

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Fourth-grade teacher Melissa Easley has been named the Redland Elementary Teacher of the Year for 2012. The winner is selected from nominations made by the faculty and staff. A Teacher of the Year committee makes the final selection.

Easley grew up in the Wetumpka community and received her BA in Elementary Education from Huntingdon College in 1998. She has taught fourth grade at Redland since the school opened in 2009. Prior to that, she taught fourth, fifth and sixth grades at the former Wetumpka Intermediate School (now Wetumpka Middle) and seventhgrade social studies at Millbrook Middle Junior High School. Easley also has worked as an instructor and director of Camp AUM. She is married to Adam, and they have three children: Kalle, Alex and Alyssa. They are active members of First Baptist Church of Wetumpka.

Easley will receive a clock commemorating her Teacher of the Year status. Also, her name will be placed on a plaque in the entrance foyer of the school and she will receive a $100 gift certificate from PTO. She will then complete an interview/application packet to be presented to the Elmore County system to compete for Teacher of the Year for the district. The district winner will go on to compete at the state level.

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Edgewood Academy Holds Middle School Homecoming

Edgewood Academy’s Middle School Homecoming took place on September 11. Kevi Hansen was crowned queen. Homecoming attendants represented 6th-8th grades.

From left are CJ Weldon, Peyton Rodie, Avery Johnston, Queen Kevi Hansen, Caity Jo Lee, Morgan Brown and Kenzie Johnston.

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Elmore County Educator Honored by State Group

New Life Preschoolers Off to Strong Start

The K-4 students at New Life Christian Academy are off to a great start. Before school began, the parents and students got together for a play day to meet each other and their teacher, Mrs. Driver. These students have been working hard with the ABEKA curriculum, reading one-vowel words by the eighth week into school.

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Eloyse Seamon, Elmore County student services coordinator, has received the Outstanding Achievement Award in Gifted Education from the Alabama Association for Gifted Children. Seamon has coordinated the Elmore County gifted education program for five years.

This program is recognized as a model gifted education program by the Alabama State Department of Education.

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Airport Road Adds Reading Café to Library

Airport Road Intermediate School (ARIS) in Millbrook added a Reading Café to its library. An area dedicated to students who score 100% on their Accelerated Reader quizzes has special café tables and benches.

Every time a student makes a 100, his or her name goes into a box. Librarian Diann Bennett draws out ten names each week from this box. Those students may choose to read fifteen minutes from a Kindle or choose any book on the library shelf, regardless of the student’s reading level. Principal Marcia Stephens believes that this recognition inspires students to read more and aim higher. The Reading Café is also an incentive for students to meet their nine-week goals.

Naomi Taake is shown reading a Kindle and Jon Robert Chandler a book.

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Redland Elementary Fourth-Graders Visit Downtown Montgomery

Redland Elementary fourth-graders recently took a field trip to downtown Montgomery, making stops at the Alabama Capitol, the Supreme Court building and the State Archives. Students are shown here lying on their backs to get the full view of the Capitol rotunda.

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Redland Kindergartners Visit Pumpkin Patch

Redland Elementary kindergarten classes took a field trip to Dream Field Farms in Union Springs on October 11. AndreaCarol Carter’s class is shown.

Edgewood Holds Speech Competition

Edgewood Academy held the high school Speech Competition September 27. This year’s topic was “Gun Control and the Second Amendment: What should the government’s role be in balancing the safety of our nation’s citizens while preserving the rights afforded to us through the United States Constitution?” The students presented six- to eight-minute speeches on the topic in front of a panel of judges and those competing. Six students participated this year. The winner and runner-up moved on to the Alabama Independent School Association District Speech Competition on October 23.

From left are Hunter Woodruff, Savanna Sullivan, Tricia Ward (First Place), Nancy Anne Turner (Second Place), Baleigh Moseley and Chace Harris.

Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@montgomeryparents.com.

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Elmore County Super Receives State Accolades

The School Superintendents of Alabama (SSA) and Classworks, an SSA Premium Business Member, are proud to announce the selection of Dr. Jeff Langham as the Alabama/Classworks 2013 Superintendent of the Year and Dr. Suzanne Lacey from Talladega County as the 2013 Superintendent of the Year runner-up. Langham was selected from nine finalists throughout the state, each of whom is an outstanding superintendent.

Langham will be honored at the SSA Superintendent of the Year Luncheon on February 5, 2013, held during the association’s Legislative Conference in Montgomery. Classworks will provide Langham with a Superintendent of the Year ring plus travel expenses to the AASA National Conference on Education, to be held February 21-23, 2013, in Los Angeles. At the National Conference, Langham will represent Alabama, receive a bronze medallion with the Superintendent of the Year emblem, and a plaque from the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), SSA’s national affiliate and national sponsor of this program. Each state’s winner will be recognized during the National Conference on Education where the national winner for 2013 will be announced.

Langham has served as Superintendent of the Elmore County School System since 2005 and prior to his superintendency, he served as the Education Specialist for more than three years with the Alabama State Department of Education. He has also served as curriculum coordinator, principal, assistant principal, and English teacher in the Elmore County Public Schools.

Langham holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Law from Alabama State University. His doctoral study was focused on “The Effectiveness of Building Based Student Support Teams in Alabama Elementary Schools.” Langham also holds a Certification in Administration/Supervision from Alabama State University; a Master of Education Degree in English/Education from Auburn University in Montgomery; and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English/Education from the David Lipscomb College. He serves a school system with an enrollment of more than 11,000 students in 14 schools, one technical center, one alternative school, and one intensive treatment facility employing more than 1,250 educators.

Montgomery Parents I November 2012

Edgewood Teacher Visits American Village Summit

On September 17, the 225th anniversary of the U. S. Constitution, Edgewood Academy fifth-grade teacher Deborah Hill attended a National Summit on Keeping the Republic at the American Village in Montevallo. Hill got to visit with Benjamin Franklin, shown here.

Firefighters Visit RES Kindergartners

Firefighters Josh Suchocki from Montgomery Fire Station #8 and Will Abbott from Station #6 visited Redland Elementary School’s kindergartners for Community Helpers Week recently. The children also met paramedics and sheriff’s deputies during the week.

Here, Andrea-Carol Carter’s class takes time for a photo with Suchocki and Abbott.

Holtville Students Attend ‘Wiley and the Hairy Man’

On October 3, Holtville Elementary School fourth-graders attended a field trip to the Wetumpka Elementary Activity Center. Fourth-grade students, teachers and parents watched a performance of Wiley and the Hairy Man by actors from the Wetumpka Depot. Adapted from a Southern folktale, the incessant suspense and humor in the play kept the students interested from beginning to end.

Pictured are students from Mrs. Lacsamana’s fourth-grade class with actors from the play.

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Wild About Animals!

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Kids have a natural animal attraction for creatures of the wild! They quickly learn to identify all the major players in the animal kingdom, from the king of the beasts to the wanderers of the deep. So it’s no surprise that toy designers incorporate a whole range of exotic creatures into their plans for kids gear and toys. And it’s a toy jungle out there. But we’ve cut through the undergrowth and discovered the following wild animal-themed toys offering features that make them some of our favorites for kids!

by Paige Gardner Smith

Gentle Giraffe

Zylie Bear

Baby’s first wild animal toy should be the Gentle Giraffe. This amazing soft toy is great on so many levels with super-soft polyester covering and a long slim neck that’s just the right size for small hands to hold and hug. And when kids are a little older, they will appreciate the accompanying storybook and adoption certificate. The best part is the Gentle Giraffe sound system that features soft recordings of womb sounds, rushing water, Safari groove and wilderness trails. These sounds both soothe and serve as ‘white noise’ for small children who sometimes need to tune out the rest of their environment’s noise. Easy controls and a sleep timer make it an ideal bed buddy, too. Fair warning: The sounds are also soothing to adults who may find themselves enjoying an unscheduled nap with their little one, snoozing to the soft roar of Victoria falls.

The most playable bear doll has arrived!

A twelve-year-old bear with impeccable fashion sense, Zylie and her brother Theo live with their adventurous aunt in New York – and that’s where the story starts! Zylie is an 18” jointed bear who comes dressed for adventure in skinny jeans, flounce top and a soft ivory coat. Her orange handbag holds her diary, map …and passport, because this bear is going places! Including the first book to get Zylie’s adventures started, her world can grow with additional clothes for her travel wardrobe – and an awesome friend, Shen the Panda (introduced in the second Zylie book, and sold separately). Zylie is versatile doll for young tweens and kids whose imaginations can keep up with a bear who’s on her way around the world!

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(The Adventures of Zylie the Bear)

Sonny the Seal

PlayWow Activity Chair

Adding a new twist and wobble to the standard ‘ring toss’ game, Sonny the Seal mimics the movements of a real seal, bobbing and weaving his head around! The game is on as kids take aim with plastic rings, trying to score points with a ring around Sonny’s neck. When the ring goes over Sonny the Seal’s head and past his tail, Sonny barks and claps his flippers cheering on young players. Sure, it’s ideal for developing hand-eye coordination, but that’s just a wild sideeffect of this addicting and challenging game for kids!

Why should kids just sit, when they can sit and be active? The Kids Activity Chair, with a big lion graphic on the back rest, offers plenty of keep-busy options for little hands. With a jingle bell ball on one arm rest, and a three-page flip book attached on the other, both are easy to manipulate for still developing motor control. Pockets with bright primary shapes hide removable (tethered) peek-a-boo wild animals! The best part is the Activity Chair is inflatable! It packs and ports with minimal effort and space… so this chair can keep bottoms comfy plus hands and eyes busy wherever you go --- and sit!

(PlayWow)

(Goliath)

Paige Smith is a freelance writer and syndicated columnist living in Alabama. More on GET THIS! at www.PageBookMedia.com.

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Gratitude Games

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Fun Ways To Reawaken Appreciation in Kids

by Christina Katz

Let’s face it, kids do not always feel grateful for everything they have. But just because they do not feel appreciative every minute of every day does not make them ingrates.

And for better or for worse, if you constantly nag your kids with lines like, “Do you realize how lucky/fortunate/ blessed you are?”...they will just tune you out eventually.

An attitude of gratitude is something children need to be reminded to practice without excessive pressuring. In fact, if you can make scavenging for gratitude an opportunity for fun every year, everybody wins.

You may be surprised to learn that your kids are a lot more appreciative than you thought. And they might decide that www.montgomeryparents.com

expressing what they feel grateful for isn’t as much of a pain as they had imagined.

So, go ahead. Make gratitude games an annual habit every Thanksgiving season.

Here are five ways to motivate your kids to dig deep and rediscover an inner well of thankfulness without feeling put out:

Word association. Let kids pull to-

gether a mind association list of words that represent moments, memories, or anything that naturally pops into their minds in response to the question, “What do I feel most grateful for?” Family members can work alone or as a group. A parent can help a preschooler create a short, colorful list.

School-age children may do better if given a number challenge like, “What are the top ten things you feel most grateful for this 60

past year?” Keep the activity quick, fun, and light. Don’t treat it like an essay assignment unless you have a writer in the family who would enjoy answering the question in essay form.

Photo safari. Over the course of a fall weekend, give each child an hour with your digital camera or your camera phone. The assignment is to go around your house and yard snapping photos of things that make them feel happy. These photos can include people, pets, nature, objects, places, and anything else they love. When you recover your camera, download a smattering of photos for each child into a collage format offered through your favorite local photo printing service. Have each child title the document in his or her own words and hang Montgomery Parents I November 2012

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photo collages near the Thanksgiving table.

Plastic or magnetic frames make it easy to protect and store collages for next year.

Appreciation postcards. Get a few packages of blank postcards and fine-point water-based markers from the art supply store. For young children, parents can write names and addresses of family members in permanent ink on one side of the postcard, so important information won’t smear.

Then, on the other side, ask kids to write one word that describes something they appreciate about each family member and decorate the postcard to match the sentiment. Make this an annual event and family members will look forward to their handmade postcards every year.

Lessons learned. Life is school. We

are all always learning new things. Sometimes we learn things we can’t appreciate until later because the learning process is challenging, difficult or painful. Discussing these kinds of learning experiences raises an awareness of resiliency in kids and teaches them not to shirk challenges. About a week before Thanksgiving, start a round robin of sharing tough lessons learned during the past year. Rather than having everyone share in one night, let one person per night share in a relaxed manner during dinner. You might just find your family swept up in some of your most educational and inspiring conversations of the year.

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Written on stone. Creating a thoughtful gift for someone else can bring out gratitude in even the grumpiest pilgrim. Purchase enough large river stones from your local garden shop or stone supplier so that each person in attendance for Thanksgiving will have one with their name on it. Be sure to pick up a couple extra, just in case. Scrub stones clean with soap and water and let dry.

Paint stones on the top, sides, and bottom lip in an array of autumn colors. Across top of each stone, write guests’ names in large letters with permanent markers or paint pens.

Let dry completely then cut words that describe each guest out of old magazines. Apply words to rims of stones with Mod Podge and sponge brushes. When stones are dry, cut and glue a piece of felt on the bottom.

Use stones as placeholders at the Thanksgiving table and watch the proud grins. mp

ng

Christina Katz is an author and freelance journalist. She feels grateful every time someone reads her words. Her latest book is The Writer’s Workout from Writer’s Digest Books.

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Favorite Holiday Words

by Marla Cilley

Today I was asked by a magazine editor if I could give one tip for having a good holiday season. The answer came so quick that I even surprised myself.

Let go of your perfectionism!

If I can talk you into letting go of your perfectionism then you can cruise through the holidays without all the stress that being a perfectionist puts on you! I know you are looking for that perfect picture post card feeling, but let’s face it, that only happens in paintings

or in the movies. I want you to allow yourself the freedom to celebrate the holidays without this undue stress. Let’s look at how your perfectionism ruins your holidays!

1. You procrastinate until the last minute to do anything because you just don’t seem to have enough time to do it right, or you don’t think you do! Then it really isn’t done to suit you or anyone else because it is just thrown together! I DON’T HAVE TIME! This phrase is whiny!

2. Shopping is put off until the last minute because we have not planned our purchases and then we hit the malls looking for anything and spending whatever to get something to give. You settle because of that

phrase again. I DON’T HAVE TIME! Yes, you do, if you had started a few weeks ago!

3. Do you see a pattern here; waiting until the last minute? Do you know the meaning of the word deadline? It is the point at which you have no more time. In other words, you practically kill yourself doing it, when a little each day would have helped you process things without the stress. NOW YOU REALLY DON’T HAVE TIME! But watch, you put on your super woman costume and kill yourself along with the rest of the family trying to save face. This is what makes the holidays miserable!

4. Because you have waited until the last minute again to purchase items, you are faced with a marathon wrapping session.

No one likes to do this and it is hard on your back. Be kind to you and do a little at a time as you come in the door. If you hear yourself say, I DON’T HAVE TIME RIGHT NOW, then just do one little package.

5. Now let’s look at decorating your home. You hear your children begging to do things and then these words come out of your mouth! I DON’T HAVE TIME RIGHT NOW!!! They are usually said in an unkind tone because you are mad at yourself over this procrastination pressure. Do you want to know why you don’t think you have time? It is because of your perfectionism! You don’t think you have time to do it right! Decorating your home does not have to be done all at once. Break it down into smaller pieces; take baby steps to decorate your home and enjoy establishing new traditions.

We all have the same amount of time in a day and it is how we choose to use it that makes the difference. When your perfectionism clouds your thinking you forget to do just a little to make things better. Holidays celebrated imperfectly still bless your family!

For more help getting rid of your CHAOS, see her website and join her free mentoring group at www.

FlyLady.net. Also check out her books, Sink Reflections, published by Random House, and her New York Times Best Selling book, Body Clutter, published by Simon and Schuster. Copyright 2012 Marla Cilley.

Used by permission in this publication.

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A Page in a Book

by Paige Gardner Smith

Why Teachers Rule

Somewhere in every child’s world, a teacher is making a positive difference in their life. Whether they meet this teacher through schooling, extra-curricular classes, or church, this leader has the power to guide, instruct and elevate not only the mind of a child, but also the spirit. The best teachers go beyond the standard lesson plans, seeking ways to engage children, fostering their strengths and encouraging them to master their challenges. Celebrating those special educators, the ones who come early, stay late and go the extra mile because they are called to teach – these titles are touching tributes to the leader of the class.

You Are My Wonders

by Maryann Cusimano Love and Satomi Ichikawa (Philomel Books / Penguin) In the broadest sense, teachers educate, but in the real world the person teaching a child is so much more. And the student is also more than just a vessel to receive education. The best pairings of students and teachers are a symbiotic exchange, like the one celebrated in ‘You are My Wonders’.

Almost like a call and response, the rhyming text in the teacher’s voice offers her roles in a school day followed by the complimentary role of the student. “I am your calm; you are my thunder. I am your wisdom; you are my wonders”. Paired with gentle and charming illustrations of a soft elephant welcoming her students (cuddly toys like teddy bears, stuffed bunnies, and toy giraffes), this title will speak to the youngest students and their parents with a reassuring message that reminds both of the fullness of learning during a school day.

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The Art of Miss Chew

by Patricia Polacco (Putnam Books / Penguin) With her solid reputation for producing wonderful children’s books with moving messages, Patricia Polacco’s exploration of the variety of teachers a child can encounter – and the unique needs of each student - is both touching and inspiring. Trisha struggles with reading, but her favorite teacher gives her time she needs to finish her tests. Further, he notes her strong drawing talent and recommends her for Miss Chew’s art class to develop her strength as an artist. Trish’s confidence grows through the support of both teachers, until tragedy brings in an impatient substitute who gives no extra time on tests and thinks art class isn’t worth teaching. Only the joint effort of teachers and Trish can get her successes back on track and perhaps teach the school a lesson along the way. ‘The Art of Ms. Chew’ is powerful, poignant and definitely another Polacco masterpiece.

My Teacher

by James Ransome (Dial Books / Penguin) The call to teach is strong, but for those who answer, the fiscal rewards are not always in balance with the importance of the job they have. Yet the personal rewards of successfully educating and empowering a class, moving them forward in the progression that is school, shows their power to affect society is invaluable. And so the best teachers come…and they stay. ‘My Teacher’ features a graying teacher with years of experience behind her…and undiminished enthusiasm to take on her newest class. She’s taught more than one generation of students at the school, and lived through much of the history she introduces to her class. This title is a brilliant appreciation for the teachers with passion who step up year-after-year to mold the minds and hearts of the generations to follow.

Find more A Page in a Book recommendations at www.PageBookReviews.com.

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Seven Black Belts from Docarmo’s Taekwondo Center and Master Pam Smith of Montgomery Taekwondo Center were recently certified as national-level referees at a referee camp sponsored by USA Taekwondo, the governing body for Olympic-style taekwondo. The weekend camp was held in Lilburn, Georgia, where more than 50 black belts from across the region gathered for the certification.

“As our students become more involved in Olympic-style events, we felt this was the next best step to certify our Black Belts. This allows our students to understand competition requirements better as well as the instructors who are moving these students ahead. It was a wonderful opportunity to get some continuing education as well as to network with other USAT schools from across the nation,” said Master Anne Docarmo, 6th Degree Black Belt and owner/operator of Docarmo’s Taekwondo Center.

Docarmo’s Taekwondo sent eight members to the National Junior Olympics with considerable success this past summer. Master Docarmo also felt this was a great move to improve the Alabama Sports Festival, since Olympic-style events are offered at the State level. It is her hope that the event will be run more professionally with trained referees.

Docarmo was Montgomery’s first female black belt in 1976 and has a rich martial arts history of quality martial arts in the area. Those with interest in FREE martial arts lessons at Docarmo’s Taekwondo Center can call 220-5835 or go to www.trytkdfree.com

State Senator Visits Teen Republicans

Senator Dick Brewbaker spoke to the Montgomery County Teenage Republicans at their monthly meeting recently.

The group invites teens from area high schools to join and participate in its activities. Meetings are the last Tuesday of the month at the Montgomery County Republican Headquarters. Members volunteer to help Republican campaigns, volunteer for community service projects and learn more about government. For more information, e-mail montgomerycountyteengop@gmail.com or visit the group on Facebook. Shown from left are Jade Teel, Paul Overton, Stefan Perritano, Will Littleton, Hannah Barranco, Sydney Jarman, Taylor Pitters and Hemali Patel.

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Six Cool Gift Ideas

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by Pam Molnar

Most of us can relate to the frustrations of a teenager who receives a gift that doesn’t fit their style. When I was fourteen, my aunt bought me a dictionary for Christmas. I am sure I did my best to look happy and act thankful, but it was not the gift I was hoping for. In fact, the next day, the dictionary was shoved in the bottom drawer of my desk where it remained untouched for a long time.

With the holidays approaching, it is time to think about what to get the tweens and teens in our life. Don’t be fooled into believing that every teenager appreciates the same thing. Like us, they all have their own taste. Although it is hard to compete with the electronics on their wish lists, you can find something within your budget to make them happy.

Entertainment

It is not a surprise that tweens and teens like to do things with their friends. Encourage interaction with www.montgomeryparents.com

friends beyond social networking and video games and buy them a gift of entertainment. Teens love going to the movies, bowling or to a local pizza restaurant.

More active teens may enjoy gifts to go rock climbing or play laser tag.

Memory Keeper

A teen’s life is measured in events – choir practices, football games, dances at school or youth group outings. Why not let them preserve the memories of those events by giving them journals, photo albums or frames?

A digital frame allows your teen to run a slideshow of their photos and relive those good times every day. A simple scrapbook may be welcomed by a craftier teen to store ticket stubs and concert programs.

Cash

You will always get a positive response – and maybe even a smile – when you give the gift of cash. Many teens want to save for a big purchase and money is at the top of their lists.

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the wi the tog co tee seu tai Pr at in tog Instead of handing over a card with a check inside, be more creative.

Blow up balloons and insert rolled up $1 bills. Make a money tree from a branch, place it in a pot and decorate with money as if it is growing. Tape cash together end to end and roll up inside an empty tissue box. Stick the end of the money roll out the top so money can continuously pull out.

Magazines

There are magazines for every interest, hobby and age group. Whether your teen is an avid reader or just appreciates the pull out posters, magazines are the perfect gift. For the tech savvy teen, consider giving them a digital subscription that they can view on an e-reader. Wrap the current issue of the magazine as your gift and place a little card inside letting them know about their subscription. Your gift will be enjoyed all year long.

A Gift for Two

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With a little creativity and a little information about your teen, you are guaranteed to pick something that won’t sit in a drawer with the tags still on it. their friends, they value spending time with family members, too. Give them the gift of your time and do something together. Buy two tickets to a play, concert or sporting event and take your teen with you. Try a spa day or a museum tour. Why not make a day of it by tailgating or eating a nice dinner out?

Print out the brochure from the play, a team logo or museum map to place in a box with an itinerary of your day together.

$5 Gift Cards

If you are still not sure what to get your tween or teen, it’s time to fall back on the gift cards. Why not purchase several $5 gift cards so your teen can enjoy your gift on a few occasions?

Five dollars is enough for a latte, a mall pretzel, an ice cream, a sub sandwich or a few items at the dollar store. Use your imagination when packaging your gift card. A coffee gift card can go inside an empty cup with a lid. Attach an ice cream gift card to a small snowman stuffed animal.

This holiday season, deliver the cool gift your tween or teen will use and appreciate. With a little creativity and a little information about your teen, you are guaranteed to pick something that won’t sit in a drawer with the tags still on it. Adults may say it is the thought that counts, but when you are a teen, it is the gift. mp Pam Molnar is a freelance journalist living in Naperville, IL. She is the mother of a teenager and two tweens – each with their own tastes.

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Holiday Happenings in the River Region Montgomery Aldersgate UMC Christmas Events

6610 Vaughn Road, Montgomery Sunday, December 2, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Family Advent Adventure and Chrismon Service. Crafts and fun activities for the family. Sunday, December 9, 11:00 a.m. Christmas Musical Drama. Sunday, December 16, 6:00 p.m., Praise Singers Concert and Sing-a-long carols. Call for reservations. Saturday, December 24, 5 p.m. Christmas Eve Service Communion, Carols and Candlelight. For more information call the Aldersgate music ministry office at 272-6152.

7th Annual Interfaith Christmas Nativity Exhibit

Experience the beauty of hundreds of nativities, traditional and extraordinary, and listen as community groups perform songs of the season. This wonderful celebration is a gift to the community and provides an opportunity for each of us to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and find spiritual peace during the busy holidays. November 28th – 30th and December 2nd from 1-8 p.m. and Saturday, December 1st from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m.; 3460 Carter Hill Road, Montgomery. Open to all. FREE Admission. Sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; www.

MontgomeryNativity.com

14th Annual Lights of Love

Dec. 6th, 6 p.m. For a contribution of $15 or more to the Jackson Hospital Foundation, a light will be placed on the Lights of Love tree inside of Jackson Hospital in front lobby in honor, or in memory, of someone special to you. For contributions of $100 or more Moravian stars will be placed on the tree. For contributions of $500 or more a decorative angel will be placed on the tree. Christian music will be presented. An invitation to the ceremony will be sent to those honored or to the family of those memorialized.

Contributions will benefit the Women and Children’s Department at Jackson Hospital. For more information, call 293-8106.

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46th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival Marks House Pike Road

November 3 from 9:00am-4:00pm. Shop the arts and crafts and eat BBQ, sweets, and more! Special activities for the children too – face painting, a tour of the Pike Road Fire Department’s Mobile Fire Safety House and free “make and take” crafts will be provided by Home Depot. Admission is $2 at the gate with children under age 8 admitted for free. Visit us at www.pikeroadfair.org.

“A Christmas Carol” at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival

Starting November 23-through December 23. The snowy London streets ring with carols that set the stage for Dickens magical tale of hope and redemption. Join us as the ghosts of the pasts, present and future reawaken Scrooge’s conscience. A great family outing to brighten your holiday. Recommended for children ages 6+ and up. Prices starting at $30. Please visit us at www.asf.net.

Annual Christmas Production at Pilgrim Rest

December 8: Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church,1436 East Washington St., will host its Annual Christmas Production, by the Youth Dept. Join them as they celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Call 462-3048.

Annual Holiday Light Festival the Montgomery Zoo

December 6-9, 13-31; 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. Thousands of Christmas Lights illuminate The Montgomery Zoo in shapes of animals and Christmas themes. See the beautiful displays by train or by foot. Enjoy live entertainment, food, gifts and pictures with Santa.Free for members, Cost $12 for children ages 3 and up, which includes a train ride. Age 2 and under are free.

For more information please call 240-4900.

AUM Holiday Market

Dec. 7, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Taylor Center 230 Come complete your holiday shopping at the annual AUM Holiday Market, featuring quality local and

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handmade goods from area vendors. Items will include candles, jewelry, body products, knitted goods, pet supplies, arts and crafts, and much more. Admission is free. AUM classes will not be in session, so parking will be free and plentiful. For questions, call 334-244-3642.

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Beautiful Music for the Holidays by The Montgomery Chorale

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Friday, November 30, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 2, 2:30 p.m., at th Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Tickets, please call 334-265-3737 or visit www. montgomerychorale.org

Candlelight Harpischord Chamber Concert

Wednesday, December 12; 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Christchurch, 8800 Vaughn Rd. You are invited to Christchurch’s free concert of sacred and secular music.

The 45 minute performance will feature instrumental and vocal pieces performed by the church’s chancel choir and soloists from the church as well as outside professionals. The free concert in the church’s sanctuary will begin at 6 p.m. It will be followed by a champagne and dessert reception in the parish hall. Reception tickets, which are $20 each, will be available by calling 334-387-0566 after November 1st. Proceeds from the reception will benefit the Christchurch Pipe Organ Fund.

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2012 Capital City Christmas Parade

The City of Montgomery would like to invite you to the 2012 Christmas Parade. The lineup will begin this year at the Capital steps to Court Square Fountain. The event will be held Friday, December 7th at 6:00 p.m.

A limited number of parade entries will be accepted.

Registration deadline for float signup is November 28, 2012.

Schedule of Events: 5:15 p.m. - Governor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Capitol 6:00 p.m. - Capitol City Christmas Parade 7:30 p.m. – Montgomery Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony; All questions about a parade entry and parade festivities should be directed to Carol Gunter at (334) 241-2726 or cgunter@montgomeryal.gov. Visit www.montgomeryal.gov for entry forms.

Christmas Open House

December 15, 1-5 pm; Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum, 919 Felder Avenue. Join us for refreshments, video and tour of period decorations. Donations requested. Call 264-4222. Please visit us at www. fitzgeraldmuseum.net.

Cruising With Santa

December 7-8, 14-16, 21-22 Family Friendly; Boards at 6:30 p.m., Cruises 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., $42.95 per adult & $22.95 per child. This cruise will include dinner, entertainment and Santa! Cash Bar. Please visit us at http://www. montgomeryal.gov.

Cottage Hill Candlelight Tour

Celebrate the Year of Small Towns and Downtown

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during Cottage Hill Historic Foundation Tour of Victorian. December 9, 3-6 p.m.; Starting location: 550 Martha Street, Montgomery. Admission charged- call for ticket information 334-538-3892.

December 24 at 5 p.m. in Sanctuary and 7 p.m. in Wesley Hall.

Eastdale Mall Santa’s Arrival on Ice

Get ready to open the holiday season Dec. 20th at 7 p.m. with the Annual Glenn Miller Holiday Concert.

This year’s performance is free to the public. Will be accepting canned food donations for the Montgomery Area Food Bank. This performance will be held at the Davis Theatre. Featuring The United States Air force Band, Airmen of Note, premier jazz ensemble, will perform holiday and Glenn Miller favorites. The Airmen of Note ensemble was created in 1950 to carry on the style and tradition of the Glenn Miller Army Air Forces Dance Band. Please call 953-1517 or 953-2014.

Eastdale Mall, November 9, 7 p.m.

Call Mall Information Desk, 277-7359, for schedule.

Eastern Hills Baptist Church presents 8th Annual “Hanging of the Green”

Sunday, December 2 from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. Also featuring: Youth Choirs, Drama, Celebration Ringers (hand bells), Ensemble, Narration, Interpretive Movement and more. Come help us ring in the Christmas season celebrating the hope found in the Christ Child!

Come early for a good seat – No admission charge Eastern Hills Baptist Church, 3604 Pleasant Ridge Road, Montgomery, AL (in the Forest Hills neighborhood) 334-272-0604 ext. 214 or visit us online, www. ehbconline.com.

The Forgotten Carols: A Magical Family Musical... About the Hope and Promise of Christmas

Friday, November 16, 7pm; Adults $15, Students $10 The Davis Theater. Tickets available @ Family Christian Stores 6507 Atlanta Hwy or online @ www. themflb.org or by calling 334-399-2536. To Benefit Marriage and Family Legacy Builders.

Frazer Memorial UMC presents “My Favorite Christmas Card”

in Wesley Hall, December 15 and 16 at 7 p.m. Frazer presents this community wide production, Christmas Theatre. Fun for the entire family! Please call 334272-8622 or visit www.frazerumc.org.

Candlelight Worship at Frazer United Methodist

Glenn Miller Holiday Concert featuring Airmen of Note

Governor’s Mansion Christmas Open House Tours

1142 South Perry Street, Montgomery, 834-3022 The 1907 Governor’s Mansion will be aglow with lights and filled with the spirit of the season. December 3, 10 and 17 from 5:00 until 7:00. 1142 South Perry Street, Montgomery.

Holiday Open House @ Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts

December 1st, 1 to 4 p.m.; Free The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts invites you to an afternoon of holiday cheer at the 17th annual Holiday Open House. The day’s activities will include performances by local choral groups and festive studio activities. In addition to these holiday treats, the Museum invites guests to explore the multiple exhibitions on view. Also, be sure to see the Kwanzaa and Hanukkah displays as well as the Museum’s Christmas tree, adorned with hand-made ornaments created specifically for the Museum by Alabama artists.

There is no charge for Holiday Open House, but guests are encouraged to bring canned goods for donation to the Montgomery Area Food Bank or a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.

Holiday Pops Concert

December 17th, 7:30 p.m. at the Montgomery Performing Arts Center. Join the MSO for an evening of everyone’s seasonal favorites. Maestro Thomas Hinds and the MSO will perform a wide variety of “holiday classics” with music from both the popular and classical repertories. To order tickets please call the Symphony office at 334-240-4004.

Huntingdon Offers Annual Christmas Celebration

Share some holiday cheer at Huntingdon College’s annual Community Christmas Celebration Thursday, November 29, on the Huntingdon Campus. The celebration includes: 6:30 p.m., the Arrival of Saint Nicholas, in front of Flowers Hall; 6:45 p.m., Treelighting Ceremony and caroling, in front of Flowers Hall; and 7:00 p.m., A Service of Lessons and Carols, combining Biblical readings by members of the Huntingdon community interspersed with music from the College’s Concert Choir; Ligon Chapel, Flower’s Hall. The events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Huntingdon College Office of Community Relations at 334-833-4515.

“The Nutcracker”

Montgomery’s Favorite Holiday Tradition for over 37 years presented by The Montgomery Ballet. The world’s most famous Christmas ballet. A Montgomery tradition since 1976, this year’s production promises to delight all ages with brilliant dancing, beautiful scenery, and colorful costumes. Come celebrate the holiday season with the Montgomery Ballet as they present this Christmas classic with evening performances at

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7:30 pm, December 14th and 15th, and matinees at 2:30 p.m., December 15th and 16th and a 6 p.m. performance on Dec. 16. All reserved seats. Tickets are $15 to $35 for adults. We offer military, senior and student discounts. Prices are dependent on convenience and/or handling fees. Come early to each performance and shop the “Montgomery Ballet Boutique,” where you can find a variety of holiday collectibles and special Nutcracker souvenirs. For reservations, call 334/409-0522 or visit www.montgomeryballet.org.

Old Alabama Town Open House Traditions of Holidays Past

Thursday, December 6 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. followed by Karren Pell’s show at 7 p.m. An evening of magic as our authentic 19th Century village is illuminated by candlelight and all decked out for the holidays. This family friendly event will showcase hand bell choirs, vocal choirs, and activities and Christmas crafts. Admission charged. 334.240.4500 or www.oldalabamatown.com

Saint James 7th Annual Majesty Market Christ Centered Market

Thursday, November 15th from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Family Life Worship Center. Choose from unique, one of a kind gifts for the holidays. Each different but all stamped with the heart of Christ.

‘Shop for a Cause’ Holiday Market

Tuesday, Novemeber 27th, 5-8 pm Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd, Montgomery Use your Christmas shopping to make a difference in the lives of others. Join us for this very special shopping event where all proceeds go directly back to a variety of worthy causes. Jewelry, baked goods, fair trade gifts and more! $5 admission at the door will directly benefit Landmark’s fund to assist adoptive families with travel related expenses. Contact Betsy Emerson at betsyandchad@mail.com with questions or to reserve a table for your cause.

The Shoppes at EastChase

Seasons Greeting from Santa and Santa’s Grand Parade Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 9:30 a.m. It’s a parade for Santa’s arrival at The Shoppes at EastChase! The day will include a parade for Santa, carriage and train rides, cookies and cocoa stations, and face painting.

Carriage and train rides will run until 2 p.m.

Photos with Santa Starting Saturday, November 17, 2012 photos with Santa will be in Guest Services office. Friday, November 23 and December 21 from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturdays from noon – 6 p.m. December 24 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Breakfast with Santa Saturday, December 15 and Saturday 22nd at 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Kids can enjoy breakfast with Santa at Panera Bread at The Shoppes at Eastchase. $10 will include visits with Santa and breakfast. Participants must register by Wednesday, December 12.

Baking cookies with Santa December 8, 9:00 until 10:00 a.m. Kids can bake with Santa at Williams-Sonoma at The Shoppes at Eastchase! The baking fun will be $5 and participants must register by Wednesday, December 5.

After Thanksgiving Gift Card Giveaway The Shoppes at EastChase will be giving away $500 gift card every hour from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. during Black Friday! There will also be other drawings at various destinations throughout the Shoppes.

Carraige Ride (next to Earth Fare Organic Grocer): Starting Saturday, November 17 - Saturday 2 pm to 6 pm and every Sunday 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. which kicks off November 19th Train Rides (next to Books-A-Million) – Starting Saturday, November 17; Kids can experience the sites and sounds of Christmas with train rides through The Shoppes at EastChase every Saturday from 3 – 7 p.m.

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The Sounds of Christmas Presented in Free Concert

Everyone in the River Region is invited to attend a free Christmas concert presented by the Capital Sounds Concert Band with Vaughn Forest Church Celebration Choir on Thursday, December 1, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. Hear the sounds of some of the most beautiful Christmas music arrangements; White Christmas, A Christmas Festival, Ava Maria, Hallelujah Chorus and much more. The concert will take place at Vaughn Forest Church at 8660 Vaughn Road in East Montgomery. For more information please contact Vaughn Forest Church at 334-277-0362 (Mary James Newsome).

“Tis the Season!” at the Planetarium

Beginning December - This great traces the development of many of the world’s endearing holiday customs, and how they involve lighting up the winter season, from the burning Yule log and sparkling Christmas tree lights, to the lighting of the Menorah and luminaries. It also recounts the historical religious and cultural rituals practiced during the time of winter solstice. not only Christian and Jewish, but also Celtic, Pagan, Nordic, Roman, Egyptian and Hopi.

It also takes a look at some of our more light-hearted seasonal traditions: from gift-giving and kissing under the mistletoe to songs about lords a-leaping, and ladies dancing. And the custom of decking the halls with greenery and candles. St. Nicholas, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, and Santa Claus all drop by as well.

For tickets, call (334) 241-4799. Or visit http://montgomery.troy.edu/planetarium for details.

Troy University Rosa Parks Museum Holiday Open House

December 1 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Come join the Troy University Rosa Parks Museum as we celebrate the holiday season at our third annual Holiday Open House. You will find special gifts in our gift shop, enjoy holiday sounds from an area choir, and create a “renewed, reused, and recycled” holiday ornament and gift jar. Please be sure to bring a can good or non-perishable food item for the Montgomery Area Food Bank. For more information please contact Viola Moten at 334-241-8701.

Yeshua the Musical

Friday, November 9 at 7:00 p.m.

Yeshua the Musical will be presented at the Aldersgate United Methodist Church at 6610 Vaughn Road in Montgomery on Friday, November 9 at 7:00 p.m. in the Christian Activity Center. Yeshua is the newest musical by the New York Times-acclaimed writing/ composing/performing team of Ellen Sanborn and David M. Sanborn. David M. Sanborn, who has been seen by hundreds of thousands of people in the role of Jesus Christ in the hit musical “The Miracle,” has returned to the same role in this new, richly orchestrated 2 person musical focusing on the stories of Jesus and who He is. For more information call the Aldersgate church office (334-272-6152) or visit the church website at www.aldersgateumc.org.

Just for Kids YMCA Camp Chandler Holiday Camps

1240 Jordan Dam Road, Wetumpka, Alabama Christmas Camp Dec. 21st - Dec 23rd arriving on Dec 21st at 4-5 p.m. and departing Dec. 23rd at 4-5 p.m.

This adventure is for old and new campers (ages 5-15), old and new staff, friends and relatives. Fee: $125 for members and non-members $100 (members) and $115 (non-members), which includes t-shirt and camp store. Call Jeff Reynolds at 229-0031.

New Years Eve Bash @ Camp Chandler Dec. 31st - Jan 1st, arriving Dec. 31st at 3 - 4 p.m. and departing Jan 1st at 10-11 a.m. Celebrate New Year’s Eve Camp Chandler style with “ball drop,”

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dance, and fireworks. Ages 5 - 15. Parents, let us take care of your children’s fun, so you can celebrate the New Year together. Fee: $40 for members and $50 for non-members.. Call Jeff Reynolds at 229-0031 or log on to www.campchandler.org for more information on all camps.

YMCA Goodtimes Holiday Childcare

Call 279-8878 to register. Program will run everyday except Thanksgiving Day or the day after. 7:00 a.m. thru 6 p.m. Cost per day; members $20 and nonmembers $25.

Eclectic Christmas Begins With Christ: An Eclectic Christmas

December 5-9 Come join us in December to experience the true story of the first Christmas. The walking tours begin December 5-9 at 6:00 p.m. This event will take place at 1733 Claud Road Eclectic AL, 36024, just south of Eclectic on AL Highway 63. Reservations are suggested and may be made by: visiting http://www.fbceclectic.org or please call 541-4444. If registering through the website, your reservation will be confirmed as soon as possible. Admission is free, and donations are accepted and appreciated to help with expenses.

Millbrook Christmas Music and Tree Lighting

Millbrook Village Green Stage, November 29 at 6 p.m., Performances by school, church and group choirs and Christmas caroling for everyone. Tree lighting at 6 p.m.

The Spirit of Christmas Parade

Dec 1st, Parade is at 2 p.m., Duration 4 hours. Millbrook’s Annual Christmas Parade will be held on Main Street. The theme for this year’s parade is “A Patriotic Christmas”. Activities will be from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Vendors will be set up at Village Green Park; there will be arts, crafts, and food. This is one of the great things about living in a small community - family fun, not too crowded and loads of excitement for everyone.

No admission fee. Call (334) 285-7232.

Prattville Annual Christmas Concert by Prattville Community Chorus and Prattville Pops

Thursday, December 13 at the Glynnwood Baptist Church on McQueen Smith Road. This event is free and open to the public.

“A Blue Annual Christmas Parade”

Saturday, December 1st at 4:30 p.m. Lots of floats, dancers, horses, candy and trinkets for everyone. This is a free, family friendly event. For more information, please all the Prattville Cultural Arts Center at 358-0297.

Christmas at Artistic Expressions

Breakfast With Santa! Dec. 1st, 8th, and 15th at 9 a.m. This event fills up every year, so sign up early.

Reservations are required. The total is $20 and this includes a breakfast of muffins, doughnuts, assorted pastries, milk and juice. It also includes an ornament for them to paint.

Polar Express Night! Train Banks! Cookies and Cocoa! A visit from the Engineer! Join ARTISTIC EXPRESSIONS for Polar Express Night!! Mark you calendars for Saturday, Dec. 1st or 8th at 6:30 p.m.

The engineer will be here to read The Polar Express and will have cocoa and paint Train banks. The cost is only $35 and includes everything you need to make a wonderful Christmas memory! Sign up for all events has begun, and spaces fill up fast, call at 285-7878 to make reservations.

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City of Prattville Christmas Tree Lighting

Thursday, November 29th. The program starts at 5 p.m. in front of City Hall with music by the Prattville Pops and the Prattville Community Chorus, along with performances by a host of local talents. This is a free, family friendly event. For more information, visit www.prattville.com.

East Memorial presents “A Living Nativity, The Gift”

Saturday and Sunday; December 15th and 16th 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. East Memorial Baptist Church, 1320 Old Ridge Road, Prattville invites the Public to experience the birth, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ at a drive-through Living Nativity.

Come be counted for the census in Bethlehem, pass through the Town and see the Inn where Joseph and Mary find no room. See the Shepherds in the field where the Angel appears and watch the Wise Men make their way to the trough where Jesus lay. See Him on the Cross and then the glorious Empty Tomb.

Admission is free. For more information contact the church office at 334-365-7500.

Free Children’s Holiday Art Workshop Event

Saturday, November 17, from 10am until noon and 1pm until 3pm. Free Children’s Art Workshop at the Prattville Creative Arts Center. Children ages 4 yrs to 12 yrs will create works of art to keep forever or give as gifts. Two sessions to choose from: 10 a.m.

– 11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.. Space is limited and reservations are required. To reserve your space or for more information call the Prattville Special Events Office at 334/358-0297 or go to the website at www. prattvilleal.gov.

Free Children’s Holiday Art Workshop, December December 8, from 10 am 11:30 a.m. or 1 pm until 2:30 pm. Children ages 4yrs to 12yrs will create works of art to keep forever or give as gifts. Children under 5 years must have a parent or guardian with them at all times. Space is limited and reservations are required.

To reserve your space or for more information call the Prattville Special Events Office at 334/358-0297 or go to the website at www.prattvilleal.gov.

The Grinch Ballet

The Grinch Ballet is about an odd green recluse of an unknown species who resides on a mountaintop overlooking the cheerful, sunny town of Whoville as it prepares for the Christmas season in anticipation. In bitter contempt towards the season, the Grinch plots against the upcoming holiday and decides to ruin it for the Whos by disguising as Santa Claus and riding around in a sled drawn by his pet dog Max, robbing each family of any wrapped gifts on Christmas Eve. His heart is touched by the little Cindy Lou’s innocence and the true meaning of the season; the Grinch repents by returning all of the stolen presents to the Whos and partaking in the traditions of the holiday season. Emma Wainwright, daughter of Jeb and Jennifer Wainwright, a first grader at Autauga Academy landed the role of Cindy Lou. Emma is six years old and has been taking dance since she was 2 years old. The Grinch Ballet will be performed by The Prattville Ballet and Students of C.J.’s Dance Factory on Saturday, December 1st at Destiny Church at 2 p.m. in Prattville. For more information please call 334-261-0554.

Mistletoe Market

Friday, November 2 from 9 a.m. to 8p.m., and on Saturday, November 3, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mistletoe Market, a merchant’s market held at the Doster Memorial Community Center in Prattville, AL., is a great opportunity to begin your holiday shopping. Great holiday gift ideas including home décor, clothing, jewelry, bed & bath, gift baskets, food gifts and more.

40 vendors. Visit www.visithistoricprattville.com or call 365-7058 for more information.

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Special Holiday Exhibit at The Gallery at the Prattville Creative Arts Center

December 2. Featuring works by members of the Prattauga Art Guild including holiday and gift items.

This is a free, family friendly event. Admission to The Gallery is Free and it is open to the public. For more information or to set up group or individual tours call 334/358-0297.

ThanksGiving at Artistic Expressions

T’was the Night Before Thanksgiving! Back by popular demand, our farmer friend is coming to read the story “T’was the Night Before Thanksgiving” to the children on Sunday, November 11th at 4:30. We will also be having juice and cookies during the story.

When our story is over everyone will be painting a turkey! Reservations are REQUIRED for this event as spaces are limited. The total cost is $20 and is due at registration. This is going to be a GREAT fun-filled afternoon. Registration will begin October 1st. Sign up for all events has begun, and spaces fill up fast, call at 285-7878 to make reservations.

Tallassee Holiday Parade

The parade will be Dec. 1st at 10 a.m. Begins at Tallassee Church of Christ and goes thru Central Blvd, Gilmer Ave. down to Barnette Blvd. and end at O’ Brien Football stadium. A Holiday Market in Veterans Park on Friday, November 30 and Saturday, December 1st. For more information please call 334-283-5151.

Lake Martin/Alexander City Annual Hometown Christmas Parade

One of East Alabama’s largest parades featuring elaborate floats, dancing groups, marching bands, horseriding clubs and Santa Claus highlight. December 3; 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Downtown Alexander City.

Christmas Market

Saturday, December 1, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM Children’s Harbor along with Real Island Volunteer Fire Department, Children’s Harbor Lodge Conference Center, Lake Martin. The 7th annual event to raise funds for both organization is a chance to add some fun to your Christmas shopping. Admission is free with periodic drawings for prize giveaways throughout the day. A variety of items will be available such as hand poured candles, mirror art, jewelry, pottery, hand beaded bags, art works, luggage and more. We will have breakfast and lunch food for sale, a bake sale and door prizes. To find us from Wetumpka take Highways 231N and then 14 to 170 then left on 163. For further information, please call 334-857-2021.

Wetumpka ARRAC Christmas Faire

November 3rd – December 9th, Thursday thru Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays 12 noon to 4 p.m. at the Arts Center (300 Tallassee St., Wetumpka, AL). The Arts Center Lobby and Hall will be filled with trees and tables to display quality local hand made gifts and decorations. Cost for space is free for members or $20 for non-members. For more information call Theresa Wayne at 334-300-9394, leave a message at the center by calling 334-578-9485 or email Theresa at artistdirector@arrac.org.

Charis Crafters 14th Annual Christmas Show and Tasting Fair November 2-3. Wetumpka Civic Center. Friday, November 2 from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Saturday, November 3 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Annual show features baked goods, canned goods and crafts from more than 20 artisans. Door prizes every hour. Tickets are $5 for both days and a door prize given every

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hour. Come taste foods prepared by members from our recipe cookbooks which will also be on sale for $10. Contact Shiela Green 334-567-3594 or Patricia McCullers 334-567-5785.

Christmas on the Coosa

December 8: Christmas extravaganza with arts and crafts, parade, food, quilt show, classic car show, entertainment and activities on the Coosa River culminating with a spectacular fireworks exhibition at dusk. Gold Star Park & the Courthouse Veranda, Wetumpka. Booths will begin selling at 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Fireworks immediately following Boat Parade at 5 p.m. . 334-567-1313 or 334-567-4811. www. wetumpkachamber.com.

Christmas on the Coosa Ball

December 15, 7:00pm to 11:00 p.m. at Wetumpka Civic Center.

“The Legend of the Santa Pig” At the Wetumpka Depot

Farmer McDonald’s children wake up to find on Christmas Eve to discover that the barnyard animals really do come alive on Christmas Eve for a magical Christmas treat. November 30 and December 1 at 7:30 pm. Tickets will sell for $10 by calling box office.

“A Very Second Samuel Christmas” At the Wetumpka Depot

The Christmas sequel to the beloved play “Second Samuel”. The familiar residence of Second Samuel, GA light the way for a Christmas miracle. December 13-15 at 7:30 and December 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets will sell for $20 by calling box office. Tickets can be purchased by calling 334-868-1440 or online at wetumpkadepot.com. The Depot Theatre is located at 300 S Main Street in the heart of historic downtown Wetumpka.

Wetumpka Tree Lighting and Progressive Nativity

November 30, in Gold Star Park. Pictures with Santa will begin at 5:30 p.m. Programs begin at 6 p.m. Free coffee and hot chocolate courtesy of Aliant Bank.

Entertainment and Children’s choir groups. Visit www. cityofwetumpka.com. Luminaria will be held December 14th in conjunction with Business Open House in downtown Wetumpka.

Wetumpka Christmas Decoration Contest

December 3rd; 6:00 p.m. Businesses and residential.

There will be judging to those who have submitted applications. Prizes will be awarded.

Calera North Pole Express Train Rides

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

“All Aboard” says the conductor, and your journey begins. Through the dark night, the magical train speeds to the top of the world! Upon arrival at the brilliantly decorated North Pole, Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves board the train to visit with everyone, so be sure to bring your camera! You’ll enjoy chocolate milk and cookies and sing Christmas carols along with the live musician, Mr. Jim. Listen to a special Christmas story and receive a Christmas gift.

New in 2011 – First class service3 to the North Pole!

The Silver Maple and Kayenta railcars will offer first class service- hot chocolate in a souvenir mug, special dessert treat, premium gift and specialized service. Wear your pajamas! The excursion will last approximately one hour. November 23-25, November 30 - December 2, December 7-9, & 14-17. Train departs at 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. For tickets and info call 1-800-943-4490 or order online at www. hodrrm.org.

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Santa Claus Special Train Ride The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

Santa rides the train with you! Tell him what you would like for Christmas as he poses for photos. Each child will receive a Christmas gift! November 23-24; December 1, 8, & 15. For tickets and info call 1-800943-4490 or order online at www.hodrrm.org.

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Breakfast in Santa’s Workshop at the McWane Science Center

Two dates to choose from: December 8 or 22; 8:30am until 10:00 a.m.. Bring your little elves to have breakfast in Santa’s Workshop. Decorate gingerbread houses, have breakfast together, explore the Winter Wonderland exhibit and visit with Santa! Be sure to bring your camera! Ticket includes admission to the museum, breakfast, activities and visit with Santa!

Reservations are required. Call (205) 714-8414. Cost: $20 Adults, $15 Kids for non-members and $15 adults and $10 kids for members. www.mcwane.org

Christmas Light Show DeSoto Caverns

November 1-January 1. This special light show celebrates the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and is shown on every caverns tour. www.desotocavernspark.com.

Christmas Village Festival

Jefferson Convention Complex, Birmingham. October 31-November 4, Wednesday-Saturday 10:00am8:00pm; Sunday 12:00 noon-5:00pm. The largest indoor arts, crafts, and gifts show in the south, this show draws exhibitors from over 30 states with products like clothing, jewelry, food, decorations and much, much more. www.christmasvillagefestival.com

McWane Science Center ‘Magic of Model Trains Exhibit’

The holidays are picking up steam at McWane Science Center with the return of the Magic of Model Trains exhibit, November 10- January 10. Discover trains of every shape and size inside this popular exhibit which features over a dozen different train displays. Sets include several tiny trains that are built to scale with surrounding cities and scenes including the LG&W that depicts central Alabama in the 1950’s. Every set in the exhibit is designed to scale with the size of the trains. The meticulous detail of the scenery including covered bridges, downtown storefronts and of course, several train stations will keep your family entertained for hours! www.mcwane.org

Polar Express Pajama Parties at the McWane Science Center

The Polar Express Pajama Parties have become a holiday tradition for the entire family. Put on your pajamas and treat yourself to hot-chocolate, cookies and milk, and a visit with Santa. Make sure to bring your own camera for photographs with Santa. Special treats will be given to all kids who wear their pajamas!

December 8, 15, 22 & 23; 4:30-6:00pm (Movie Times: 3:00 pm). $11 Adults, $10 Children (Members get $1 OFF). Advanced reservations are required. www. mcwane.org

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Brrrr! When the weather outside is frightful, McWane is so delightful! November 23-January 6; Come inside the museum this holiday season and let your imagination be your guide through the new Winter Wonderland exhibits where snowflakes glisten above your head and toy trains zip around the tracks. Inside this holiday exhibit, wonder is in the air as children explore the snow room where everyday they can touch the “almost” snow! Kids’ laughter can be heard as they

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November 16-January 1; nightly 5:00-10:00pm.

Rekindle an old tradition or create a new one at Lake Lanier Islands Resort’s Magical Nights of Lights holiday celebration. A seven-mile drive through tour of animated, festive, holiday light displays. At the end of your tour, the Holiday Village awaits you with carnival rides and games, pony rides and numerous holiday treats. Warm up with a hot cup of cocoa or step inside Santa’s Workshop for some holiday shopping and a visit with Santa. And nothing gets you in the holiday spirit like a visit to Legacy Lodge & Conference Center for a delectable Magical Nights of Lights dinner buffet, or stay the night so the kids can enjoy the time honored tradition of having Breakfast with Santa. www.lakelanierislands.com

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Minor Emergencies School and Sports Injuries Wound Care Dental Complaints Pediatric Complaints Colds, Flus & Illness Cuts, Lacerations & Bruises Eyes, Ears, Nose & Throat Gynecology and Women’s Health Immunization/Vaccination Rashes, Poison Ivy, Allergic Reactions Minor Burns Physical Exams Insect & Animal Bites Gastrointestinal Complaints Work Injuries Work Physical School Sports Physical Skin Disorders Neurological Disorders Blood Pressure Checks Digital X-Ray CD Copies Available Wireless EKG On-site Digital X-rays, Lab & EKG Results while you wait Lab is CLIA and DOT certified

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Snow Mountain at Stone Mountain

Snow Mountain is Atlanta’s first snow park! The 2012/2013 season opens November 19, 2012 – February 18, 2013. Atlanta’s Stone Mountain Park transforms into a winter wonderland with Snow Mountain.

Bundle your family up and get ready for snow tubing, snowballs, snowmen and snow angels. Based at Stone Mountain Park’s famous Laser Lawn, Snow Mountain keeps your entire family busy for hours. A 400’ foot tubing hill and a snow play area filled with a blizzard of snow activities make Snow Mountain Atlanta’s not-to-be-missed winter attraction. There’s even a play zone reserved for your littlest snow bunnies.

Snow Mountain’s state-of-the-art snow-making magic guarantees you tons of fresh snow daily. And with two Mountain SnoLifts to get you up the tubing hill, you’ll want to go again and again! www.stonemountainpark.com mp

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December 31; Peachtree Street, Downtown Atlanta Georgia. This Block Party for Thousands offers live Musical Performances by local artists and musicians, as well as a midnight Fireworks Spectacular.

Tickets are available at a variety of local sources. Stay downtown and enjoy the festivities at Underground Atlanta ... enjoy the ‘official’ Peach Drop at midnight - followed by a really awesome New Year’s fireworks display, with live performances..

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The most spectacular holiday light and sound show in the south begins November 16- December 30!

Nestled amidst wooded landscape of Callaway Gardens, Fantasy In Lights is the Southeast’s most spectacular holiday light and sound show with more than eight million twinkling lights celebrating the holiday season. This spectacular show has attracted almost two million visitors since it opened in 1992.

With more than a dozen larger-than-life lighted scenes, Fantasy In Lights remains unique in that its scenes are custom-designed especially for Callaway Gardens–to celebrate not only the joy of the season but the wonder of nature in this idyllic setting.Drive your car or ride the Jolly Trolley to experience scenes like March of the Toy Soldiers and Snowflake Valley. At Robin Lake Beach, enjoy ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ and ‘The Nativity’, light and sound shows enticing passers-by to stop, reflect and enjoy. Sunday, November 20, the annual March of Dimes Walk – one night each year is reserved for walkers only to hike the winter wonderland of Fantasy In Lights. No vehicles allowed! For tickets, www.callawaygardens.com.

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try to catch fish through the ice. Brave winter wonder seekers can even sled down a giant snow hill between the third and second floors in the museum. Then, skate around the ice pond in your slippery socks. www. mcwane.org.

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Family Karate Center News The Family Karate Center students and instructors were recently named the official ambassadors for Keeping Kids Safe Across America! Master Carole Smith, 6th degree black belt, created the Stranger Danger Child Abduction Prevention and Awareness Program more than 25 years ago here in Montgomery, and the life-saving techniques taught are keeping kids safe all across the world!

“Our program is taught in Holland, Australia, Aruba, Mexico, Germany, Iran and Korea,” said Smith. “It has been such an honor that my Stranger Danger program has been accepted now in so many martial arts schools, public and private schools, Girl Scout and Boy Scout groups, etc. Just one child’s life being saved with these quick-release escape techniques would be a blessing from God, but there is also a child molestation prevention section that we are teaching every day in our school.”

Master Smith’s students from Family Karate Center joined Jack Ingram Nissan and hosted many demonstrations for the event. There were digital ID pictures taken, digital fingerprints, free gifts from many vendors, and a great time with free refreshments for all!

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In addition, the FKC students were proud to be chosen by Maxwell and Gunter Air Force Bases to display their Stranger Danger Program to the children of students in the Air War College in October. The wives of the Air War College students were treated to a ladies’ selfdefense demonstration, which included break-away techniques that even a small child could use against an attacker. All children in attendance received a free week and martial arts uniform just for joining in with The Family Karate Center demonstration. Pictured are the Family Karate Center students that are part of the Air Force here in Montgomery, and participate in all self-defense demonstrations on base and in the community.

If you and your spouse are looking for a date night, ask about Family Karate Center’s monthly Parents’ Night Out

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parties. Parents’ Night Out includes all the pizza your kids can eat, juice, cookies and home made treats, G-rated movies, hula hoop contests, dance contests, Ninja Kicking contests, video game fun contests, and many more awesome activities! The November parties still have many openings, and you do not have to be a member to attend.

To sign up for Parents’ Night Out or to try Master Smith’s internationally acclaimed Stranger Danger program free for one week, call 467-5762 or 220-9319.

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Prattville Hosts Sterling Little Miss Christmas Pageant December 8 The Sterling Miss Merry Christmas Pageants will be held on Saturday, December 8, at the Prattville Doster Center. This pageant series is for girls who live within the state of Alabama, age 1 month to 17 years, with seven age categories: Baby Miss (1 month to 11 months), Tiny Miss (1-2 years), Petite Miss (3-5 years), Little Miss (6-9 years), Pre-Teen Miss (10-12 years) and Teen Miss (13-17 years).

The deadline for applications is Tuesday, November 27. Applications may be found at www.SterlingMiss. org, in Prattville at the Bridal Boutique & Tux Shoppe, in Clanton at Brenda’s Formals and in Wetumpka at A Touch of Class.

Contestants competing in any age category are to wear an age-appropriate Christmas-themed dress or church dress (short or tea length - NO long (to the floor) dresses or pageant-style dresses). There will be NO casual wear for this competition. Optional categories include: Most Photogenic, Most Beautiful Christmas Dress, Most Beautiful Smile, Most Beautiful Hair, Most Beautiful Eyes and Best Personality. A People’s Choice crown will also be awarded in each age category. Collect votes from family and friends at $1 per vote for the contestant. Votes will be collected at and throughout the pageant. No double crown winners.

Registration opens at 9:15 a.m. for age categories Baby to Little Miss.The pageant begins at 10 a.m. For age categories Pre-Teen to Miss, registration opens at 1:30 p.m. with the pageant starting at 2:15 p.m. Entry fee for the event is $30. Optional categories are from $5 to $15 per category. Checks should be made payable to: Sterling Miss Pageants, P.O. Box 763, Montgomery, AL 36102. For more information, visit www.

SterlingMiss.org or call 313-5444.

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Teenage Republicans Help Politician Campaign

County Commissioner Ham Wilson, Jr., center, gets help promoting his reelection to County District 1 from Teen Republicans. Mattie Adderhold, left, is a student at Prattville Christian Academy while Jade Teel, right, attends LAMP. Both are ninth-graders who helped place campaign materials in Wilson’s district. For more information on the Montgomery County Teenage Republicans, visit montgomeryteengop@gmail.com.

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What Are The Signs and Symptoms Of Adolescent Alcohol And Drug Abuse?

• Sudden or Gradual Drop in Grades • Pattern of School Tardiness • Lying/Blaming • Unusual Need to Access Money • Changes in Peer Group • Sneaking Alcohol or Drugs • Burns on Hands or Clothing • Denial when concerns are expressed regarding drinking and drug use • Unusual sleeping patterns

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The Big Bad Wolf on Pet Grooming Habits Keeping your dog and cat healthy means paying regular attention to bathing, grooming and brushing. Even pets with short hair will benefit from this often overlooked aspect of pet care. Grooming does more than just make your pet look and smell nice. There are also medical reasons why regular grooming will help your dog and cat stay healthy and feel better.

“The Better to See You With”

Keeping your dog’s face free of long hair that can irritate the eyes will make your pet more comfortable and could help prevent common eye problems. Many dogs, such as the shih tzu, Lhasa apso and poodle, have long hair that hangs in the eyes causing irritation and damage to the cornea. If your dog has hair lying on their eyes it may be time for them to visit a a groomer. Another option is pulling this hair back in a bow to keep your dog’s face clean and clear. Never use scissors or sharp implements around the eyes. Scissoring needs to be done by a trained groomer or under a veterinarian’s supervision.

Despite your pet’s protest, nail trimming is a must. Long overgrown nails often break at the base exposing the nail bed. Walking on long nails can be painful, aggravate arthritis and cause the toes to splay. Long nails can also curl around and grow into the pads.

Most pet owners choose to have their pet’s groomer or veterinarian perform this task to avoid trimming the nail too close to the nail bed which can cause pain and bleeding.

“My, What Long Hair You Have”

Long hair or a thick fluffy coat may look great, but this lustrous coat can cause complications if not groomed daily. Most cats groom themselves, swallow the shedded hair and the hair is eliminated in fecal matter. However, the more proficient your cat becomes at removing excess hair the more likely hair balls will form. Owners can reduce the occurrence of hairballs by daily brushing the cat’s coat with a cat brush or comb. Dogs typically do not share the same desire for daily grooming as their cat counter parts. Depending on your dog’s lifestyle, breed and skin condition, shedding is a factor

that must be addressed. Bathing will help remove excess hair, however over bathing can also cause skin irritations by depleting oils from your dog’s skin. Doing nothing to help your dog remove shedded hair can lead to matting which can cause skin irritations.

A good solution to the problem is having a consistent bathing and grooming schedule to help stay ahead of the unwanted hair problem.

Other cost effective options are to shave your dog or cat’s coat once or twice each year.

Consulting your veterinarian is the first place to start when trying to control the “hair is everywhere” problem.

There is no need for the Big Bad Wolf of poor grooming habits to steal the thunder away from the loving companionship our furry friends provide. By staying abreast of your pet’s grooming needs, you can continue to experience the joy found in the unconditional love pets provide.

Article provided by Dr. Philip Mitchell, one of the owners at Taylor Crossing Animal Hospital. He graduated from Auburn University’s School of Veterinary Medicine and has been a practicing veterinary medicine for over 25 years.

“My, What Big Ears You Have”

Those long floppy ears are endearing, but they cover your dog’s ear canal creating a moist warm environment that lacks air circulation. This can cause dogs to suffer from chronic ear infections that can be difficult to cure and can re-occur. Cocker spaniels, sharpeis and golden retrievers are just a few of the breeds that suffer from this all too common problem. Infections that go unchecked can result in serious and painful ear disease.

Cleaning your dog’s ears may look easy, but it is more difficult than you may think.

Dogs have long ear canals and improper cleaning can result in a ruptured ear drum, pain, or lacerations of the canal. Consequently, if your dog’s ears are infected, they will be too painful to clean at home. This job is better left to the experts. Having your dog’s ears regularly cleaned at your veterinarian’s office or by a trusted groomer will make this task more pleasant for your dog.

“What Sharp Nails You Have”

By far the most dreaded grooming chore for many pet owners is trimming their pet’s nails. Although, this process is not painful, pets typically do not like their nails trimmed and can be completely uncooperative.

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Give Your Preschooler

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Opportunities to Seize

In the Children’s Learning Opportunities Report (2000), Carl Dunst conceptualizes opportunities for language development and early literacy in terms of incidental and intentional opportunities.

Incidental opportunities might include watching leaves blow while on a walk, www.montgomeryparents.com

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Smart Opportunities to Seize at Home Everywhere you turn it seems there is a new marketing scheme to suck us into purchasing something to propel our preschoolers to the head of the class. As well-meaning parents, we may be vulnerable to thinking “inside information” or alternative fast tracks will get our children there.

However, research and advice from early childhood experts on emerging literacy are more reliable than the latest hype. Their advice may not always have a sexy ring to it, but experts suggest the best foundation—those important first steps leading your child to the point she’s ready to read—grows from daily experiences at home.

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Intentional activities might include story hour at the library or a trip to the zoo.

Dunst says children need activity settings matched to their interests and competencies to practice existing skills and learn new abilities. Therefore, he suggests parents: 1. Identify your young child’s INTERESTS: • What makes your child smile or laugh?

• What makes your child happy and feel good?

• What are your child’s favorite things?

• What is enjoyable to your child?

• What does your child work hard at doing?

2. Identify your young child’s COMPETENCIES:

• What gets and keeps your child’s attention?

• What is your child good at doing?

• What “brings out the best” in your child?

• What does your child like to do a lot?

• What gets your child to try new things?

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Everyday Learning Opportunities It truly is the everyday stuff which can give preschoolers an edge. Repetition during meal time, bath time, diaper changes, and bedtime story routines primes young children for later school success.

Sound too simple? It’s not. Rosenkoetter and Barton’s Bridges to Literacy (2002) encourages parents to think of building bridges to literacy by providing experiences that include print, responsiveness, repetition, modeling and motivation, and oral language.

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3. Think PRINT.

Reading time may be brief but must happen every day. Learning helps kids explore new worlds, laugh across generations, and discover amazing and ordinary things. Sharing stories can be a balm for irritable or fussy children. As Rosenkoetter and Barton (2002) explain: “Shared reading also provides security and calms children’s restlessness.”

Reading together should be relaxing and fun. It is not just about the exposure to language, it’s about creating happy reading Montgomery Parents I November 2012

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memories which set the stage for a love of reading.

4. Stay RESPONSIVE.

For early literacy, you want your child to learn: language is fun, she can do it well, and she can get results from using it.

When your child speaks, help her feel successful by giving her the attention and lots of positive affirmation.

5. Provide REPETITION with routine schedules.

Provide routine schedules that use familiar phrases (such as “let’s have some lunch” or “scrub-a-dub-dub”) and cues at key times during the day. Nap and bedtime routines should be kept the same, and reading the same book over and over helps strengthen the foundation for later academic success.

6. Be a consistent MODEL and MOTIVATOR.

It’s important your child sees you reading. At home, point out that you are reading the newspaper or a recipe. On car rides, be intentional as you point out signs on the road or the names on store fronts.

It’s also important to write and draw with your child.

7. Use ORAL LANGUAGE.

Quantity matters; so talk a lot. You want to expose your child to as many words an hour as possible. Talk to your child during work and play. Chitchat has a big payoff and translates into broader

vocabularies and higher levels of reading later.

In Learning to Read the World (2004) Rosenkoetter and Knapp-Philo explain how learning from their daily explorations with everyday people and objects, a preschooler “builds many other understandings of self and others…young children begin to ‘read their world’ and to have wider and greater impact upon it.” Parents can help them read their world long before they learn to read!

Nurturance & Connection Opportunities

Psychologist Richard Weissbourd, author of The Parents We Mean to Be, warns we frequently miss opportunities to connect and teach valuable moral lessons to our kids.

“Too many of us are raising children first and foremost to be happy and we are failing at that project—rather than instilling in them what the novelist William Faulkner thought we as a species needed to prevail: ‘a spirit capable of compassion and sacrifice and endurance.’” Consider these ultra-simple opportunities for connection.

8. LAUGH ‘til your cheeks ache.

The latest research supports that laughter can decrease stress hormones and boost the immune system! As Daniel Pink points out in A Whole New Mind, “laughter is a social activity—and the evidence is vast that people who have regular, satisfying connections to other people are

healthier and happier.” Tell jokes, watch comedy, and most importantly, model a good sense of humor yourself.

9. Provide a stage.

Habitually ask your child what they think they do well, and then have them demonstrate. For our son, it always thrilled him to show off his ability to effortlessly walk on his hands. What is it for your own preschooler? Writing the alphabet? Pouring juice without help? They love showing you their new skills and strengths, and your glowing response makes them feel ten feet tall.

10. Leave work behind.

Of course, this is easier said than done. But take as many family vacations as your employment allows. The opportunities which will spring from the time away from the grind relaxing with your children are pure GOLD and will add up to memories for a lifetime. No one at the end of their life wishes they had just taken less vacation.

Do not underestimate the power of strong connection and nurturance and every day learning at home for a preschooler’s later success in school. Life gets busy, and these young people grow up fast. To give them an edge, become more intentional about creating opportunities such as those above to prime them for a lifetime of learning. mp Michele Ranard has been helping students and families as a private tutor for a decade. She has a husband, two children, and a master’s in counseling.

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Young Author Releases First Book

Laura Grace Henry, a fourth-grader at Prattville Christian Academy, has written a book entitled It Starts With One! Kids Can Volunteer, Too. She will host a book launch party, which is open to the public, from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, November 5, at Jose’s Cantina Restaurant in Prattville.

Henry said she wrote the book to promote volunteerism in children her age. “Mom and I were at a local book store, looking for ideas for new volunteer projects that I could do, and I noticed that they were all books for adults. I told my mom that I was going to write a book for kids because kids listen to other kids.” The young author said that she worked on the book over the summer months and learned a lot about writing and editing. “There were a lot of rewrites but I finally got it where I wanted it. I’m very proud of the way it turned out,” she added.

The book is in a scrapbook-style format with bright colors and lots of photos, including those with some of her friends and very upbeat descriptions of various projects that students can do by themselves, with their friends and family members. “I wanted the book to be fun to look at and give great ideas that kids my age know that they can do without a lot of help from their parents or teachers. You don’t have to be a grown-up or rich and famous to help out in your school, your neighborhood or your community. Kids can volunteer, too,” she said.

The young author writes about volunteer work from her own experiences, having earned President Obama’s gold Youth Volunteer Service Award in 2011 and 2012 for performing more than 100 hours of community service work annually. Last May, she received a commendation from the City of Prattville acknowledging her volunteer and fundraising efforts for organizations including: Children’s Miracle Network, Alabama Tornado Relief, Child Protect, Family Justice Center, Family Sunshine Center, Autauga Interfaith Care Center and the Autauga Humane Society.

To learn more about Henry’s volunteer efforts or how to purchase her book, visit www.LauraGraceHenry.com or attend the book launch party on November 5. www.montgomeryparents.com

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Tonya Speed Dancers Perform

Tonya Speed, below right, attended a dance workshop in Atlanta recently, where she studied tap with Bill DeRicco of Long Island, New York.

Debbie Dee of Florida was also a tap instructor.

High Heel Boot Camp, led by Meredith Peden, performed at the Distinguished Young Woman Scholarship Program in October. Five girls (Selena Knighton, Michaela Knighton, Madison Parker, Anna Grace Rief and Berkley Bryant) who are all members of Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection danced in the program.

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Pearl Girls Enjoy Pumpkin Patch Trip

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Pink and Pearls For Girls Inc. recently visited the Grand Ole Pumpkin Patch in Clanton.

The girls enjoyed inflatables, picking pumpkins, listening to a live band, watching and learning Indian dances and traditions, eating funnel cakes, and enjoying their hearty harvest party. For more information on how to become a Pearl Girl, please call Grace Smith at 334-561-5091.

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It’s Your Move!

Relocating with Kids

School Year Interruped Tips to consider before your mid school-year relocation.

When Lyssa Richardson’s family relocated last December, it was the first time her children were required to start a new school mid-way through the year. Typically the Richardsons have the entire summer to get acclimated to their new home, but this move was very different.

“Our move was even more complicated because it was over the holidays,” says Richardson. “When we arrived in our new town, we needed friends and activities yesterday.”

Use these tips to help your child slide into place at a new school mid-way through the year.

gests completing the following steps before your mid-grade move: -Have your child’s current school send his or her records to the new school as soon as possible.

-For middle and high school students, check with the principal or counselor at the new school to see if your child’s current classes are available at the new school. If not, establish what classes he or she will be taking.

-Ask about any fees you might need to pay including parking stickers, lockers, and lab fees, and consider joining the PTA.

communication link. If possible, before the official transfer takes place, take your child to the school for a tour and help him or her get familiar with the campus.”

Salter also recommends getting the school’s start and end times, learning where to drop off and pick up, or contacting the school system’s transportation office for information about bus times and routes.

Get supply lists and purchase necessary materials so your child will be well-prepared and ready to start participating in classes right away.

Don’t Forget Extra-Curricular Activities and Recreational Sports

Your child may experience a learning gap in her classes. “Schools have tutoring for students who may come in and find that their new school may be a little ahead in a class they were taking at their old school, “ says Salter.

Richardson’s kids were ahead of the curve when they moved. “My kids weren’t challenged, so I had to be more involved.”

She encouraged them to strive for good grades despite some issues with boredom.

Richardson reminds parents to take it slow. “I think it’s okay if a child misses a day or two of school right after relocation,” says Lyssa. “I gave my kids an option – ‘you can start tomorrow [on the first day], or I can bring you back and let you meet your teacher and show you around the school and then you can start.’”

Take a deep breath. If you’re preparing for relocation, you’re dealing with a lot right now. Rest assured things will eventually fall into place – and it will happen more quickly if you communicate with your new school and do just a bit of prep work before you move.

Starting a new school in January means everything – from classwork to sports and Gather information about your new extra-curricular activities – is in full swing. school district as soon as you know you will Richardson was very frustrated by the lack be moving. “Research and dig into school of activities available to her kids due to the information,” says Richardson. “Learn timing of her relocation, and she recomeverything you mends getting children can before you signed up for sports and Child Ambassador Programs arrive.” other activities before the Search the Tom Salter, Senior Communication Christmas holidays. school’s website Officer for Montgomery Public Schools, “I could not figure for registration out where we should go says, “Some schools have ambassadors information. that team up with a ‘new kid’ to help the for information about Pull necessary sports and other activistudent adjust. Ask the principal if they ties my kids enjoy,” says documents from your files (birth have such a program or if there is a Richardson. “Next time certificates, student in your child’s grade that could I won’t let this happen, immunization even if it means calling help show him the ropes.” records, etc.) the school and asking and put them for referrals to local in a safe place before the movers arrive. programs. It was a long winter.”

Don’t let these documents get packed with other household items. Hand-carry copies of When You Arrive your child’s school records to help speed the Once you arrive at your new home, registration process after arrival. If you can’t Salter recommends visiting the school. find registration information on the website, “Introduce yourself to your child’s teachers give the school a call before the Christmas and the principal and establish a relationholidays begin. ship to ensure that if your child has any Tom Salter, Senior Communication Ofissues with the transition, you have an open ficer for Montgomery Public Schools, sug-

Do Your Research Early

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Closing The Learning Gap

Julie Steed is an Air Force spouse with 10 moves under her belt. Her children have attended 4 schools in the last 4 years.

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Family Establishes Memorial Art Scholarship

The Rachael Madison Art Scholarship Fund was created to remember Rachael and her gifts, and to help underprivileged children. Rachael passed away in an automobile accident on October 8, 2011, just 10 days shy of her 15th birthday. She was the daughter of Bob and Beth Madison and the sister of Laura Ann. She was bright, artistic, accepting, and had a heart for God and for others.

Madison attended Holy Cross Episcopal School, Saint James School and Sylvan Learning Center. Three of her original works of art have been used to create notecards and coffee mugs: a hummingbird which was created using pen and ink pointilism, an oil pastel of gourds, and a pastel still-life of fruit. Madison had a strong sense of detail, was dedicated to her art and school work and received excellent grades.

The Scholarship Fund will have a booth at Pike Road Arts and Crafts Festival and plans for a cook-off are in the works. Additional works of art will be used to create special and memorable gifts. 100% of proceeds will be donated and each year a student will be selected from The Smoky Mountain Children’s Home for an art scholarship. The Home is located in Sevierville, Tennessee, and houses and cares for nearly 100 abused and neglected children throughout the Appalachian Region. For more information, visit www.SMCH.org.

Mugs are just $10 and notecards come in sets of 12 and are $15. To purchase, please contact Beth Madison, 488 Ridgeland Farms Road, Montgomery, AL 36105.

Please “like” us on Facebook - Support Rachael’s Art-The Rachael Madison Art Scholarship. The outpouring of love and support this project has received is overwhelming and appreciated!

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www.montgomeryparents.com

Family Calendar Ongoing Ala. Dept. of Archives & History

Exhibit galleries include children’s gallery and a reference room for genealogical and historical research.

Hands-On Gallery includes Granny’s Attic where you can try on clothes, uniforms, shoes, try an old typewriter, sit at an old school desk or experience making a quilt square. Discovery Boxes are filled with all kinds of Alabama history. Numerous handouts, videos on Selma to Montgomery March, Helen Keller, Mardi Gras and more. Photographs of Helen Keller on display. The Archives museum galleries are FREE to the public.

Hours are Mon.-Sat., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Please note: The Research Room is only open the 2nd Saturday of each month. 624 Washington Ave., Montgomery. Call 242-4435 or visit www.archives.alabama.gov.

Alabama River Region Arts Center in Wetumpka has weekly after-school Arts Clubs which meet on Thursdays from 4-5 & 5-6 p.m. There are three clubs: Guitar (acoustic), Clay (polymer, ie “sculpy”) and Painting/Drawing.

Each Club is $20 a month. Students for Guitar Club must be 10 years old, but 7-year-olds are welcome for the other two. Clubs are limited to the first 10 students, for one month. While children are in Arts Clubs, parents are welcome to stay and browse our Gallery or Resource Library, or just wait in the kitchen with a soda! Studio space is also available on a lease basis. The Pottery Studio is available to ARRAC members trained on the wheel. First Saturday of every month is a free Sit & Sew, from 9 a.m.-noon. Bring your hand-sewing project or sewing machine for a morning of sewing with the ladies.

(Bluegrass Jam is going on at the same time in another room.) 300 W. Tallassee St. (former Wetumpka Jr. High building), Wetumpka, AL 36092. Visit www.arrac.org or see us on Facebook: Alabama River Region Arts Center, or call 578-9485 for more information.

Artists In Action: 1st Wednesday and 3rd Saturday of EVERY month at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts from noon-2 p.m.. Local and regional artists at work. For more info, call 240-4333.

“Artworks,” a hands-on children’s exhibit. FREE. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Blount Cultural Park. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m.

Sun. Open until 9 p.m. Thursdays. Closed Mondays. For more info, call 240-4333.

Bama Brushstrokes Art Club Meets 9 a.m., 2nd Saturdays of each month, Messiah Lutheran Church, 6670 Vaughn Road, Montgomery.

Club members include beginners, intermediate and advanced skill levels. Activities include seminars with well-known artists. Classes are taught by our members or guest artists. We share our talents with our community in various programs, such as the Memory Box Project for hospice patients through sponsorship by the Society of Decorative Painters. Our chapter creates finished paint projects and murals for various hospitals, libraries, and community-based organizations. For more info, contact Diana French, president, at garnet2@bellsouth.net.

Celtic Dance Classes Fridays at Montgomery Ballet from 4-5 p.m. We welcome boys and girls ages 6 to adult. Call Amanda at (706) 457-9254 or e-mail Celtic.traditions@gmail.com for more info.

The Central Alabama Tennis Association (CATA) is a volunteer-based tennis organization formed to provide programs which promote and develop the growth of tennis throughout central Alabama. The CATA has four essential charitable and educational purposes: (1) to promote and develop the growth of tennis in central Alabama area by providing a variety of educational and charitable tennis programs and services; (2) to educate the community concerning the importance or tennis and the benefits that can be derived from tennis; (3) to expand the opportunities in the community for learning tennis and to offer opportunities for learning tennis to individu-

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November 2012

als who do not have access to tennis; and (4) to provide programs and services in the community that teach participants scholarship and fair play and that permit access to volunteers and instructors who can serve as positive role models and mentors. For event info, call Ernie Rains, CATA Community Coordinator, at 324-1406 or e-mail www.centralalabama.usta.com.

The Children’s Hands-On Museum of Tuscaloosa A private, non-profit, community-based organization located at 2213 University Blvd. in downtown Tuscaloosa, next to City Hall. Current hours are MondayFriday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed most holidays. Special programs are held for preschoolers weekly. Admission is $5 per person, with no charge for museum members or children under the age of 1 year.

Special discounts are available to schools. For info, call (205) 349-4235 or visit www.chomonline.org.

Civil Rights Memorial A monument to those who died and/or risked death in the struggle for civil rights. 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery. For information, call 264-0286.

Cloverdale Playhouse “Third Tuesdays” Montgomery’s singers and songwriters perform in our intimate theater space each month on the third Tuesday.

Join us for a musical evening in Old Cloverdale. For details, call 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org. Also contact us about volunteer opportunities, auditions, and the Playhouse School!

Cool Kids Cook is a faith-based ministry with classes offered at different locations. Please call 220-3651 if you’d like to attend or volunteer with this ministry.

First White House of the Confederacy Open on Saturdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m. This year begins the commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War. The First White House of the Confederacy played a significant role during the war and served as Jefferson Davis’ family residence from February-May 1861. Located at 644 Washington Avenue in downtown Montgomery, neighboring the Alabama Department of Archives and History. For more info or to tour the museum, call 242-1861 or visit www.firstwhitehouse.org.

Garden Tours Local gardens include Southern Homes and Gardens, Blount Cultural Park’s Shakespearean Garden at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Grace Episcopal Church, Prattville’s historic gardens in Old Pratt Village and the Wilderness Park, and Wetumpka’s arboretum at Ft. Toulouse. For more info in Montgomery, call 1-800-240-9452 or visit www.VisitingMontgomery.com. In Prattville, call 361-0961 or visit www.prattville.com/visitor/history. In Wetumpka, call 567-3002 or visit www.wetumpka.al.us/features. Other numbers are: Blount Cultural Park (274-0062 or www. blountculturalpark.org); Grace Episcopal Church (2151422); Old Alabama Town (240-4005 or www.oldalabamatown.com); and Alabama Garden Trail (1-800-ALABAMA or www.touralabama.org).

W. A. Gayle Planetarium Public Shows offered Mon.-Thurs. and Sun. Admission $3.50/person, children under 5 free, seniors $2.50/person.

Mon-Thurs. at 3 p.m.; Sun. at 2 p.m. 1010 Forest Ave. in Oak Park. Call 241-4799.

Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is a family-friendly space filled with interactive and educational hands-on exhibits for children age eight and under. Imagine It! also offers birthday parties, memberships and field trip tours. Museum hours: Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Admission is $11 plus tax for adults and children ages 2 and above. Imagine It! is located at 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. For more info, visit www.imagineit-cma.org or call (404) 659-KIDS [5437].

Montgomery’s Freedom Rides Museum Road to Equality: The 1961 Freedom Rides yearlong exhibit features works of art from top Alabama artists and

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offers unique interpretations of one of the most pivotal desegregation events in the nation’s history.

Located in the capital city’s recently restored 1951 Greyhound Bus Station, the exhibit will remain open every Friday and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. or by appointment throughout the year. For more info, visit www.freedomridesmuseum.org or www.montgomerybusstation.org MOOseum, Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Children’s educational center featuring past, present and future in agriculture and the cattle industry. Free. Group tours should be pre-scheduled. Mon.- Fri. 9 a.m. -noon and 1-4 p.m. Last scheduled tour of the day starts at 3:30 p.m.

201 Bainbridge St., Montgomery. For info, call 265-1867 or visit www.bamabeef.org.

Old Alabama Town 19th and early 20th century outdoor history museum.

Tours Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission: $8 for adults, $4 for students ages 6-18. Under 6 free.

301 Columbus St., Montgomery. For information, call 240-4500.

Rosa Parks Museum 252 Montgomery Street, 241-8615. Hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. -3 p.m. Sundays and holidays, closed. Admission 12 years and under-$5.50/Over 12-$7.50. Alabama college students with a valid student ID: $6.50; discount price for both Museum & Children’s Wing: adults: $14, children $10 Stone Mountain Park, Georgia Enjoy the outdoors together, while experiencing a variety of attractions, entertainment and recreation. Visit the 1870s town of Crossroads and enjoy live entertainment, skilled craft demonstrations, shopping, dining and more.

Additional attractions include: the 4-D Theater, The Great Barn, Paddlewheel Riverboat, Summit Skyride, Scenic Railroad, Antebellum Plantation and Farmyard, Pedal Boats, Mini-Golf, New Camp Highland Outpost and Treehouse Challenge, Discovering Stone Mountain Museum and the Antique Car & Treasure Museum. The Regular One-Day All Attractions Pass is $24 (plus tax) for ages 12 and up, and $19 (plus tax) children ages 3-11.

For an additional fee, guests can also “Ride the Ducks” sightseeing tour. Required parking permit is $8 for one day or $35 for an annual permit. Exit 8, Stone Mountain Park off Hwy 78 in Georgia. Call (770) 498-5690 or visit www.stonemountainpark.com.

Toastmasters International is an organization that was founded in 1924. Its mission is to help individuals with their communication and leadership skills. Each club provides an atmosphere where individuals can speak without being criticized or judged, yet provide effective evaluations. We also offer the opportunity to take on leadership roles as club president, vice president, and other officer positions that teach planning, time management, organizing and parliamentary procedures. Anyone 18 years or older can join Toastmasters. We currently have six clubs in the River Region. Toastmasters is now starting a club named The River Region Toastmasters in the Prattville/Millbrook area. Meet every Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Journey Church located at 2050 Commerce Street, just off I-65, exit 179. For more info, contact the interim president, Gene Ann Hildreth, at 361-6333 or alabamasoupgirl@aol.com.

Tales for Tots 10:30-11 a.m. November 7. Join us for this FREE introduction to art in storybooks and in the Museum galleries for young children and their families. Each time a different work of art and special story will be presented. Call 240-4365 or visit www.mmfa.org for more info.

Classes Bradley Method Natural Childbirth Classes

Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at Zink Chiropractic Clinic, Course includes pregnancy exercise and nutrition, body changes during pregnancy, the coach’s role in pregnancy and

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natural birth, the stages of labor, breathing and relaxation for labor, common interventions and how to avoid them, breastfeeding, basic newborn care, and more. Contact Lanette Tyler, 450-4605 or lanette.tyler@gmail.com; or visit www.bradleybirth.com Breastfeeding Class Designed to prepare the expectant mother for breastfeeding her newborn. Also includes troubleshooting common problems to establish a successful breast-feeding experience. Usually the first Saturday of the month, from 9-11 a.m. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. FREE. Class schedule is subject to change, so please call 293-8497 to register or for more info.

Childbirth Basics Class Provides childbirth information for those who choose to have pain relief during labor and delivery. Sessions are taught throughout the year but are often held on the first Saturday of the month, from noon-2 p.m.. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Cost is $25. Call 293-8497 by your 4th month of pregnancy to register.

Childbirth Preparation Class Comprehensive four-week series covers all aspects of the labor and delivery experience, admission process, medication and anesthesia options including epidurals, cesarean sections, coping and comfort measures including breathing and relaxation techniques.

Postpartum care and baby care basics are also included. A maternity area tour is also included as a part of this class.

All of our classes are taught by registered nurses certified in childbirth education.Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org to schedule your class.

Childbirth Preparation Boot Camp An abbreviated version of Childbirth Preparation Class offered in a one-day format. A maternity area tour is also included as a part of this class. Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org to schedule your class.

Chinese Language Classes Auburn Montgomery’s Office of Far Eastern Initiatives offers Saturday classes for children and adults. The one-hour weekly courses are provided free-of-charge as a service to the community. For more information or to register, contact April Ma at 244-3018 or ama@aum.edu CPR & First Aid The American Red Cross offers classes in adult and infant/ child CPR as well as first aid and babysitting classes monthly. Call 260-3980.

Diabetes Education --Prattville Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available Wednesdays by appointment at Prattville Medical Park.

Call 213-6360 for more information.

Diabetes Education --Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available weekdays by appointment. Call 213-6360 for more info.

Grandparent Class This program presents new concepts in newborn care to grandparents who need a refresher course. Usually one Tuesday per month. FREE. Call for schedule. Jackson Hospital. Call 293-8497.

Infant Safety/CPR Class Teaches parents and grandparents American Heart Association’s Family and Friends CPR for infants and children, including care of the choking infant, infant rescue and breathing with hands-on practice using ACTAR CPR dolls for class participants. Class will also help parents with creating a safe environment for their child. Classes are taught by certified CPR instructors.

Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required.

Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org to schedule.

Maternity Area Tour Maternity area tour for expectant mothers and families not attending Childbirth Preparation Class/Boot Camp.

Baptist Medical Center East. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org to schedule.

Pre- and Post-natal Fitness Classes

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Includes water aerobics, step-floor aerobics and strength training. SportsFirst. Call 277-7130.

Prenatal Breastfeeding Class Provides expectant mothers information about breastfeeding including various factors influencing lactation, advantages of breastfeeding, basic anatomy and physiology of milk production, specific techniques to promote a successful breastfeeding experience and breastfeeding equipment and supplies. Classes are taught by IBCLC instructors.

Partners are encouraged to participate in this class.

Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required.

Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org to schedule your class.

Sibling Preparation Class Fun one-hour class is designed for expectant “big brothers and sisters” ages 3 to 8. They will learn about the arrival of their new baby through an introduction to the hospital experience and the early days at home. Parents should plan to attend with their child. Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@ baptistfirst.org to schedule.

Your Amazing Newborn One-night class taught by a pediatrician and nursing staff usually one Tuesday a month. This class presents new concepts in newborn care and helps alleviate parenting jitters often experienced by soon-to-be parents.

Grandparents also welcome. Jackson Hospital. FREE. For more info, call 293-8497.

sleep disorders. There are four board-certified physicians and a clinical psychologist on staff between the two centers. For more information, call 286-3252 for Baptist Medical Center South and 361-4335 for Prattville Baptist Hospital.

Jackson Sleep Disorders Center Jackson Hospital houses a sleep disorders center on the third floor of the Goode Medical Building to monitor those who are suffering from sleep disorders. For more information, contact your physician or the Sleep Center at 293-8168.

Jackson Hospital Offers Animal Therapy Program to Pediatric Unit Jackson Hospital’s Animal Therapy Program is a vital part of its patient care. Animals in the program are limited to dogs, and no other animals are allowed to participate.

Currently, there are 10 dogs in the program. Their handlers have undergone extensive training and orientation, and visit the hospital weekly. For more information, please call 293-8894.

Nolan Research Pays Kids for Toy Testing Nolan Research, 2569 Bell Road in Montgomery, conducts toy tests that pay $20 in cash to each child ages 4-12 that participates. Testing takes place usually between 5 and 7 p.m. and only takes about 30-45 minutes. Results are used to help toy manufacturers decide whether or not to bring new toys out on the market. Please call 284-4164 to sign your child up and spread the word to any other families who may be interested in allowing their children to participate.

Services American Cancer Society seeks Volunteers for Road

Support Groups Adoption Support

to Recovery This program is designed to ensure that cancer patients have transportation to and from medical facilities for treatment. Road to Recovery volunteers can be individual drivers with time to help others or even local companies who allow employees to provide transportation on company time in company cars. Anyone who has a driver’s license, a safe driving record, personal automobile insurance, owns a car or has access to one, and can spare as little as one morning or afternoon a month is encouraged to volunteer. For more information, or to volunteer, please call Luella Giles at 612-8162 or call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345.

Hospital Volunteers Volunteers are needed at Baptist Medical Center East, Baptist Medical Center South and Prattville Baptist Hospital. Duties vary by facility but include delivering mail and flowers, transporting patients, staffing waiting rooms and information desks, and furnishing coffee for visitors.

Volunteers work one four-hour shift per week. For more info, call 286-2977.

Hospice Volunteers Through volunteering at Baptist Hospice, the opportunities to help are endless. Our volunteers are an important part of the patient’s care and are the heart of the hospice family. There are many other ways to help, such as special projects and events or providing administrative support for the staff, that are essential. Volunteers often have special talents and innovative ideas that add so much to our program. Please call Gloria @395-5018 to join our dynamic team.

Volunteer Services Jackson Hospital is looking for volunteers to work in key areas of the hospital. Volunteers provide an invaluable service to the hospital while making new friends and experiencing a fulfilling activity. Volunteers must be at least 19 years old and are asked to work 4 hours a week.

They must complete an application and pass a background check and health screening. If you are interested in volunteering, call Linda Dean, Dir. of Volunteer Services, 293-8967.

Baptist Sleep Disorders Centers Baptist Medical Center South and Prattville. Both centers have the ability to diagnose up to 84 different

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Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC), This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Montgomery Group meets 3rd Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Room 8114 at Frazer Memorial UMC. For more information, call 409-9477 or 272-8622.

Autauga/Elmore Group meets 4th Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Glynwood Baptist Church, Prattville. Childcare, children’s group and dinner provided. For more info, call 409-9477 or e-mail apac2@childrensaid.org.

Panda Pals is a support group for families who have adopted or in the process of adopting children from China.

We have playdates, family nights and get-togethers to talk about raising our children from China. If you would like to join our group, just e-mail PandaPals2005@yahoogroups.com or call Tracie Singleton at 395-8215.

Cancer Support

American Cancer Society, including Montgomery, Elmore, Autauga, & Macon Counties: **To access or sign up for these programs, call the American Cancer Society’s Montgomery office at 6128162 or call 1-800-ACS-2345 and you will be connected to the Montgomery office.

Look Good…Feel Better is an American Cancer Society program in which trained volunteer cosmetologists help female cancer patients deal with the side effects of treatment. Patients are taught beauty techniques to enhance their appearance and self image during or after treatments, including ways to disguise hair loss and skin changes. Call Luella Giles at 612-8162 for more info.

Man to Man is an American Cancer Society support group for men who are battling or have survived prostate cancer. It offers them education, discussion and support.

Please call for next meeting dates at the American Cancer Society Office in Montgomery.

OTHER PROGRAMS/SERVICES OFFERED BY THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY: Reach to Recovery matches newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with survivors on a one on one basis.

College scholarships to cancer survivors Free wigs and other supplies for cancer patients Free rides to treatment through our Road To Recovery program (where volunteer drivers use their cars and time to take in need cancer patients to treatment)

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Family Calendar Free lodging through the Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge in Birmingham (if patients are sent to Birmingham for treatment) On-line cancer information classes and support group through www.cancer.org.

Information anytime and trained specialists at 1-800ACS-2345 General Cancer Support Group held at Christ Church, 8800 Vaughn Road, Tuesday afternoons at 1 p.m. This is an open group. For more information, please call Christy Holding at 531-1390 or Debbie Diemayer at 467-4578.

Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 2nd Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in Room 8114.

Provides education, awareness and mentoring for breast cancer patients/survivors, family or friends. For more info, call 220-4599 or e-mail womenofhope@charter. net. Plus, join us at our Signature Luncheon October 4 at 11:30 a.m. in Frazer UMC’s Wesley Hall. Tickets are $30 each ($25 is tax deductible) and include tasty cuisine from Carrabba’s Italian Grill, modeling fashions from Focus on Fashion and guest speaker Rosie Butler (breast cancer survivor and former Ebony Fashion model). For more info, call 220-4599 or e-mail womenofhope@charter.net.

Visit us at www.thewomenofhope.org.

Divorce Support

Divorce Care, Grief Share, Divorce Care for Children, All three groups meet Sundays at 5 p.m. at Heritage Baptist Church, 1849 Perry Hill Rd. Call 279-9976.

Divorce Care and Divorce Care 4 Kids First Baptist Church Montgomery, Wednesdays starting August 22 at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $15 (scholarships available). Contact Kathy Cooper at kcooper@montgomeryfbc.org or 241-5125.

Divorce Recovery Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. Call 272-8622 for more info.

Grief Support

Bereaved Spouses Support Group A new ministry of Cornerstone Christian Church, USA (Unavoidably Single Again) Ministries is designed to offer ongoing support, social events and fellowship to those who have lost their spouses to death. The group is open to ALL widowed individuals, regardless of age, religious beliefs, or length of marriage or widowhood. Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month at the church’s building, 301 Dalraida Road. Please e-mail Lynda Coats at farauthor@aol.com for more information.

“Big Leap!”

Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m., Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is designed to meet the needs of children who have experienced the recent loss of a loved one. This group will provide a hands-on, safe space for age-appropriate expression of grief. These sessions will aim to increase feeling identification, decrease self-blame or guilt, and build coping skills. Through music, art, and play we will meet your child or grandchild on their level. We will encourage your children to hold tight to their memories as they make a “big leap” into their new future. This group is open to children ages 7-11.

Space is limited to 6 participants so call 279-6677. Start date will be determined once reservations are confirmed.

Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW “Comfort and Conversation,” Wednesdays at 11 a.m., Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park.

This group is intended to address those affected by a recent loss (0-12 months after death). Through meeting with others who are walking a similar journey, you will be encouraged to work through the complications of your loss, understand your pain, and adjust to your new reality.

Space is limited, so please call 279-6677. Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW Compassionate Friends, Eastmont Baptist Church, 4505 Atlanta Hwy, first Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Compassionate Friends is a national self-help support organization

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for families grieving the death of a child. Please call 284-2721 for more info.

“Connect,” Fridays at 11 a.m., biweekly, Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is for those who have already walked through the initial grieving process but still desire to connect with others who share similar experiences. This group will allow you to meet new people, stay active in the community, and look ahead to a bright future. We will share lunch, visit museums, volunteer, attend movies, and participate in area events. We even have a fishing trip on the agenda!

This group is ongoing and does not have a participation limit. It’s time to have fun again, come join us! For more info, call 279-6677. Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW Grief Recovery Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. Call 272-8622 for more info.

Grief Recovery After Suicide, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., first Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Room 3102. This group is open to family members and friends who have lost a loved one as the result of suicide. Group offers a confidential environment in which to receive support, hope and information. Contact Rev. Susan Beeson, 272-8622.

Grieving With Hope, St. Mark UMC, meeting weekly on Tuesdays from 1-2 p.m. The group offers a place to share, care and heal from the losses of life. Facilitated by Dr. Lennie Howard and Marie Parma. Contact the church at 272-0009.

Honoring Angels Like Owen, Inc. (HALO) offers family-oriented, Christian-based grief support groups that meet monthly. These groups are for families who have lost a child from 20 weeks gestation up to the age of 2 years old. Our parents’ group is for mothers and fathers.

Our siblings’ group is for children ages 6-15. Both groups meet at the same time and place. These groups offer faithbased healing through sharing and emotional support.

Meetings offer an outlet for sharing your child’s memory and your day to day struggles, while receiving support of others who have been in similar situations. Please feel free to bring photos of your child to share. HALO also offers free professional photography for families facing the loss of a child up to the age of 2 years old and needs-based financial assistance for burial. Visit www. honoringangelslikeowen.org or call (334) 328-1202.

Homeschool Support

ECHO (Elmore County Homeschool Organization), Harvest Fields Community Church, 4280 Deatsville Hwy, Deatsville. 2nd and 4th Fridays year-round from 10 a.m. to noon. This is a support group for homeschooling families in the tri-county area. Membership is free. For more info, please visit http://www.onlineecho.com PEAK of Montgomery Homeschool Group Parent Educators and Kids (PEAK) of Montgomery is an inclusive, member-led group of homeschooling families who meet regularly for field trips, park days and other social and educational activities. We welcome all local home educators who enjoy sharing and learning within a diverse community. To join us, visit us at www.peaknetwork.org/montgomery

Illness Support

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Day Care, Frazer Memorial UMC, Thursdays, in Room 3101, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. There is no charge, but registration is required.

For more information, call the Congregational Care office at 272-8622. On the first Thursday of each month, the hours are extended to 12:30 p.m. while the Caregivers’ Support Group meets in Room 3103 beginning at 11 a.m. Only during this time will each participant need to bring a sack lunch. For the support group, call the church at 272-8622.

This new series is for all patients with congestive heart failure and their caregivers. This series is FREE for all participants. Below is the information:

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Cardiolife, a new educational series for congestive heart failure patients and their caregivers, meets 4th Thursdays of each month, 10-11 a.m. Diabetes Center classroom, Jackson Hospital. For more info, call 279-6677. Topics include: Lifestyle Changes, A Heart Healthy Diet, Proper Fluid Intake, Importance of Daily Weights and Exercise Tolerance. Support for this program provided by River Region Supportive Care – a Division of Hospice of Montgomery. Facilitated by Arla Chandler, RN, BSN, MBA. Depression/Bipolar Support Alliance, Room 3101 at Frazer UMC, 1st Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m. This group is for those with depression and bipolar illness and their families. For more info, call 272-8622 or visit dbsamontgomery@yahoo.com Meetings also available 3rd Saturday afternoons from noon-2 p.m. at Dalraida UMC, 3817 Atlanta Highway. For more info, call 652-1431.

Depression & Bipolar Support, Montgomery Public Library Main Branch, 245 High Street downtown, 2nd Floor Meeting Room, 3rd Saturdays, Noon-2 p.m.; OR 1609 West Street, north off Carter Hill and Narrow Lane, 2nd Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Call 2019638 or 652-1431 for more info.

Fibromyalgia Support, Room 8114 at Frazer UMC, 3rd Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m. This group is for those that have fibromyalgia and for their family members and friends. For more info, please call 272-8622.

Gluten Intolerance Group (www.gluten.net) is a nonprofit organization with the mission to provide support to those with any form of gluten intolerance.

GIG-Montgomery assists with awareness of diverse potential symptoms, which can range from fatigue and headaches to nausea and intestinal problems. Guidelines are provided on how to eat safely both at home and eating out. Another objective is to facilitate more effective communication between the local gluten-free community and stores, restaurants and the medical community. Meets 2nd Thursdays, 6-7 p.m., at Taylor Road Baptist Church, Fellowship Suite (faces entrance of EastChase-NE. Turn on Berryhill Rd. by EastChase).

Check the blog for special “alternate site” meetings (www.glutenfreemontgomery.blogspot.com) For more info, you may also e-mail dr.hetrick@charter.net or visit the group’s Facebook page.

Montgomery Area Mended Hearts, First floor of Montgomery Cardiovascular Institute on the campus of Baptist Medical Center South. For anyone who has experienced cardiac illness. Third Mondays, alternates between 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Call 286-3410 for more info.

NAMI Montgomery is offering “Family to Family,” a FREE 12-week education course open to all caregivers of adults with mental illness. Classes meet weekly from 6-8:30 p.m. at Montgomery Public Library’s Lowder Branch, 2590 Bell Road. Registration required.

Call Mary Jo Logan, 271-2280, Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Overeaters Anonymous, Unity of Montgomery, 1922 Walnut St., Saturdays from 3-4 p.m. Contact Misty at 324-9568 or Carol at 467-5742.

Parkinson’s Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 4th Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. in Room 8114. Group is for Parkinson’s patients and their family members. For more info, call 272-8622.

Sjogren’s Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, meets 3rd Tuesdays from 6:30-8 p.m. in room 3104. This group is for those with Sjogren’s disease and the family members of those affected by this disease. For more info, call 272-8622.

Veterans OEF/OIF Caregivers Support Group meets 3rd Wednesdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Room 3108 at Frazer Memorial UMC. This group provides support and understanding to those caring for OEF/ OIF Veterans. For more information, contact Joy Germanos, LCSW, PIP, Caregiver Support Coordinator at CAVHCS, (334) 725-2542.

Montgomery Parents I November 2012

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Parent Support

D.A.D.S. (Dad and Daughter Saturdays) Second Saturdays at the Juliette Hampton Morgan Library in downtown Montgomery at 11 a.m.

D.A.D.S. is the vision of local resident and Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce staff member Ron Simmons and his five-year-old daughter Erin. It gives fathers and daughters an opportunity to read together to create fun, educational memories. All fathers in the River Region are invited to bring their daughters to the library to read, laugh and have fun. This free event is open to the public and is sponsored by the Montgomery City-County Public Library and Dreamland Barbeque.

For more information on this event, call Ron Simmons at 334-777-8596. iConnect, Frazer Memorial UMC, 3rd Thursdays from 9-11:30 a.m. in the Parlor. Share life, encourage and be encouraged by other women. We meet for breakfast, fellowship and a speaker. Advance reservations are necessary for breakfast and preschool nursery. Cost is $5 per meeting. For more info or to make reservations, call Frazer’s Women’s Ministry at 495-6391 or e-mail Sandy Boswell at sandy@frazerumc.org La Leche League of Montgomery, East Imaging Center on Winton Blount Blvd., Montgomery, 3rd Fridays, 10 a.m. Leaders are experienced breastfeeding mothers who have completed an accreditation program and are familiar with breastfeeding management techniques as well as current research. Meetings are free and open to all women. Expecting moms, children and grandmothers also welcome. If you need information before the next scheduled meeting, please contact Bridgit (569-1500), Amy (356-3547), or Heather (LLL_heather@yahoo. com).

Moms’ LIFE (Living In Faith Everyday) First Baptist Church, Prattville. Meets twice monthly from 8:30-11:45 a.m. in the chapel at First Baptist Church in Prattville August through May. For moms of all stages and ages of life. We offer a time of fellowship, Bible study, musical guests, special guest speakers and a lot of fun! Cost is $5 per meeting. Childcare provided by reservation. For more info and to reserve your spot, call Kelley Manning at 361-7919.

The Montgomery Multiples Club is a non-profit organization offering support to the mothers and families of twins, triplets, and more in the Central Alabama region.

They have a mom’s night out with dinner once a month.

They also have a yard sale twice a year, in the spring and again in the fall. For more info, visit http://montgomerymultiplesclub.org.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry St., Montgomery. Moms, are you looking for a good excuse to get out of the house? MOPS is a great opportunity to hone your mothering skills, meet new friends, and learn new things while deepening your relationship with God. Free childcare is provided. Meetings are 1st and 3rd Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Oct. 3 & 17) Call Kristi Gay at (334) 233-8989 or visit www. montgomeryfbc.org.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), Vaughn Forest Baptist Church, 8660 Vaughn Road, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Are you in need of a time-out?

Then have we got the place for you! MOPS joins mothers together by a common bond, to be better wives, moms and friends along this journey in the trenches of motherhood. Childcare is provided. For more info, e-mail VFCMOPS@gmail.com.

Pregnancy Loss/Infertility

Hannah’s Prayer, Prattville First United Methodist Church, 2nd Thursdays and 3rd Sundays. Support group for women dealing with pregnancy loss/infertility issues.

Call (334) 365-5977.

Sav-A-Life conducts a HOPE GROUP for women who have experienced the emotional aftermath of an abortion. Groups meet eight consecutive Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. and are facilitated by women who

Montgomery Parents I November 2012

have experienced abortion. The “Forgiven and Set Free” Bible study is used. Confidientiality is assured. Please call Kathy at 260-8010 for information.

Single Parents Support

Singles’ Small Groups, Frazer Memorial UMC, Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. Call 272-8622 for more info.

TNT (Tuesday Night Together) for Singles, Frazer Memorial UMC, Tuesdays from 7-8 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, Bldg. 7000. A meal ($5) and program are provided.

For reservations, call 272-8622.

Special Needs Support

Central Alabama Autism Support Team (C.A.A.S.T.), St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Hwy. 31 in Prattville from 6-8 p.m. 3rd Thursdays quarterly (Feb., May, Aug., Nov.). Visit www.easysite.com/caast or e-mail casst50@ yahoo.com for more info.

Down Syndrome Support, Vaughn Park Church of Christ, 1st Fridays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Childcare provided. Call 356-9048 or visit www.montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com for information.

Montgomery Area Hearing Loss Support Group meets monthly at the Wesley Building of the First Methodist Church in Montgomery on 2nd Thursdays at 4 p.m.

It is affiliated with the nationally recognized non-profit advocacy group, Hearing Loss Association of America.

The purpose is to bring together all adults and parents of children who would like to know more about hearing losses, its causes and its possible corrections. Licensed audiologists make brief presentations explaining their local programs, their offices and the availability of hearing tests, of possible medical corrections, and/of hearing aids and cochlear implants. Refreshments at each meeting.

For more info, contact HearingInfo@earthlink.net Parents of Special Needs Children, Saint James UMC, 9045 Vaughn Road, 1st Sundays, 5-6:30 p.m. Please notify Chris Henderson if you plan to come. (Home: 215-0427; e-mail: chenderson41@yahoo.com River Region Autism Support Group, Cafe Louisa (in Old Cloverdale), 1036 E. Fairview Ave. We meet on 1st Saturdays from 4-6 p.m. This group is comprised of parents whose children are on the autism spectrum. We also welcome others involved with autistic children, such as grandparents, friends, teachers, therapists, etc. For more info about how to join the group, or if you plan to attend a meeting, e-mail Lyra Stephens at LyraStephens@yahoo. com

Teens/Families Support

Life is Fun Together (LIFT): A FREE Relationship and Marriage Enrichment Program providing different educational and fun-filled seminars to individuals and families. The LIFT Program is provided through Family Guidance Center of Alabama in partnership with the Alabama Community Healthy Marriage Initiative. Call Tonya Rogers at 270-4100 for class start dates or more info!

“Relationship Smarts Plus” teaches teens in grades 7-12 about healthy relationships in a fun, interactive way.

Six-week sessions are available throughout the year on Mondays from 4–6 p.m.

“Smart Steps for Stepfamilies” is a six-week session that helps stepfamilies learn strategies to strengthen and stabilize their families. Parents and children ages 8 and up meet in their own groups, then meet up at the end of each session for a fun family activity!

“Together We Can” gives non-married parents the skills they need to maintain healthy relationships between themselves and their children.

“How to Avoid Marrying a Jerk (or Jerkette)” teaches single adults how to get the most out of dating.

“Mastering the Magic of Love” is a communication class for all couples. Bring your spouse, fiancé, or that special someone in your life with you to learn new communication techniques and enhance your skills as a team of two. All adults are welcome, including

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graduates looking for a refresher!

Also…. LIFT has a brand-new program just for parents of teens!!!

“Bridging the Great Divide: Parents and Teens Communicating About Healthy Relationships” is perfect for parents or guardians who want open lines of communication with their teen. Topics include “Principles of Dating & Healthy Relationships,” “Sensitive Topics,” “Rules & Boundaries,” and more!!! Building D of Family Guidance Center, 2358 Fairlane Drive. This workshop lasts only three weeks, so call TODAY to reserve your spot!

You can look at a calendar of LIFT classes & events online by visiting our LIFT web page: http://www. familyguidancecenter.org/ Remember, LIFT has FREE programs for singles, couples, stepfamilies, parents, teens, and now parents of teens! Call 270-4100 or e-mail trogers@familyguidancecenter.org if you didn’t see your class listed so we can contact you when the next one starts.

Support Group for Teens with difficulties communicating with parents. This group began March 29 using the life skills training. Contact Felicia Pressley at Total Life Connection, 244-5061.

This Month Thursday, November 1

Disney on Ice: Treasure Trove at Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center -- Through November 4 For ticket information, visit www.bjcc.org or call (205) 458-8400.

Friday, November 2

Late Night with YMCA Goodtimes Also November 9, 16 & 30 A weekly Parents’ Night Out program for parents of five-to 12-year-olds offered at the YMCA Goodtimes Center on Bell Road. Time is 6:30-11:30 p.m. and supper is included. Cost is $15 per child and no reservations are required. Child to staff ratio is 15:1. Call 279-8878 for more info.

Saturday, November 3

Home Depot Kids’ Workshop Free workshop teaches children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. This month’s project is build a turkey napkin holder for the holidays! In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to The Home Depot associates’ aprons, and an achievement pin. 9 a.m.-noon.

Ages 5-12. Free.

Santuck Flea Market An outdoor flea market with more than 450 booths featuring arts, crafts, antiques, novelties, imports, food, and more. The Santuck Flea Market is open the first Saturday of each month from March - December from daylight until 2 p.m. RAIN OR SHINE. Free admission, free parking available. Call 567-7400.

Pike Road Arts & Crafts Fair Hosted by the Pike Road Civic and Community Club at the historic Marks House on Pike Road from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $2; children under eight are free. For more info, visit www.pikeroadfair.org.

Breastfeeding Class Breastfeeding and lactation education designed for expectant mothers, fathers, and/or support persons. Class includes benefits, basic breastfeeding techniques, and prevention of common problems. 10 a.m.-noon. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. $15 covers mother and support person. Pre-registration required. Call 293-8497 or visit www.jackson.org/events to register or for more info.

Adoption Celebration Sponsored by Agape of Central Alabama 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Montgomery Zoo. FREE! An event for the entire family in recognition of National Adoption Month.

Lunch included. Please register by calling 272-9466 or

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Family Calendar e-mailing info@agapeforchildren.org. Let us know how many family members will be attending, as well as your children’s ages.

The Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Ga. Enjoy spectacular horse racing, beautiful Fall weather and a day of fun with friends at The Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens. Benefiting the arts, the event features top riders in their sport. Terrier races, art displays, music and stylish picnicking round out this annual event. For more information, please call 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292) or visit www.callawaygardens.com.

Callaway Gardens Fitness Series: Twilight 10K Run through beautiful Callaway Gardens at twilight in the 10K, one part of the Callaway Gardens Fitness Series.

Register at www.active.com. This is the fifth of six events for the annual Callaway Gardens Fitness Series.

It is certified by US Track and Field and is a qualifier for Atlanta’s Peachtree Road Race.

Fall Junior Tennis Championships at Callaway Gardens – USTA sanctioned – Also November 4 Boys and Girls Singles, ages 12-16, Feed-In Championship (FIC) quarter finals, ¾ playoff. For more information, please call 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292) or visit www.callawaygardens.com.

Sunday, November 4

Callaway Gardens Fitness Series: Mountain Bike Competition Mountain bike enthusiasts of all skill levels test themselves on Callaway’s Mountain Bike course at the Steeplechase site. Register at www.active.com. This is the final event for the annual Callaway Gardens Fitness Series.

Gallery at the Creative Arts Center in Prattville presents “Southern Viewpoints” -- Through November 30 This exhibit features works by Peggy Milburn Brown and Walt Spratlan, including exquisite Southern landscapes, exotic flora and old and new architecture of the South, including familiar sites of Prattville.

Opening reception: November 4 from 2-4 p.m. Creative Arts Center is located at 342 Chestnut Street (behind City Hall) in historic downtown Prattville. Call (334) 358-0297.

Tuesday, November 6

Founders’ Day at Callaway Gardens The public is invited to visit Callaway Gardens with free admission to pay tribute to Gardens’ founder Cason Callaway. Special organ concerts will be featured in the Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel. For more information, please call 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292) or visit www.callawaygardens.com.

Wednesday, November 7

The Newcomers Club of Montgomery Monthly Luncheon The Newcomers Club of the Greater Montgomery Area invites women who are new residents in the area to attend our monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Arrowhead Country Club. This month’s luncheon will feature Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange. Cost is $15 and reservations must be made by noon Monday, Nov. 5, to russell.cynthia98@yahoo.com or call 300-4949.

Visit www.newcomersmontgomery.com Alabama State University Presents Richard III by William Shakespeare -- Through November 10 7 p.m. nightly. Opening night special reception at 6 p.m.

Leila Barlow Theater at Alabama State.

Alabama Frontier Days -- Through November 11 Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson State Historic Site, Wetumpka. Reenactment of Alabama’s frontier days from French Colonial times to the Early American period.

Includes Native American reenactors, period traders, merchants and entertainers, pottery making, dugout canoe construction, hide tanning and Creek Indian hunting

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camp. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Call (334) 567-3002 or visit www.fttoulousejackson.org

a yearly awards ceremony. For details, visit http://www. onlineecho.com .

Thursday, November 8

Saturday, November 10

3rd Annual Uncork the Cure Competitive Wine Tasting Event Turenne & Associates, 365 Industrial Park Blvd., Montgomery. Volunteer organizers are kicking off efforts for teams to raise funds in a festive way to fight arthritis, the nation’s leading cause of disability. The Uncork the Cure event combines wine tasting with a competitive twist.

Individuals can participate or groups of three people can compete as a team. Each person/team is responsible for three bottles of wine, and upon arrival two bottles are wrapped to conceal the wine’s identity. The third bottle is set aside for the winning team. At the end of the evening, the teams that brought the winning wines take home the stash of unopened wine. Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Cabot Cheese are providing hors d’oeuvres, and the event is sponsored by Rehab First. Tickets are $20 online or $25 at the door. Visit www.2012uncorkthecure.kintera.org or call the Arthritis Foundation at 334-557-1577.

Millbrook Community Players Present The Foreigner -- Through November 11 & 15-17 Written by Larry Shue; directed by Fred Neighbors.

November 8-10 & 15-17 at 7:30 p.m.; November 11 at 2 p.m.The scene is a fishing lodge in rural Georgia often visited by “Froggy” LeSeuer, a British demolition expert who occasionally runs training sessions at a nearby army base. This time “Froggy” has brought along a friend, a pathologically shy young man named Charlie who is overcome with fear at the thought of making conversation with strangers. So “Froggy,” before departing, tells all assembled that Charlie is from an exotic foreign country and speaks no English. Once alone the fun really begins, as Charlie overhears more than he should. Call (334) 7827317 or visit www.millbrooktheatre.com for tickets.

Friday, November 9

Millionaire Mindset Billionaire Brains City Business Mixer at EastSide Grille 6667 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery. The Business Mixer will start promptly at 7 p.m. Local and national vendors can display information pertaining to your business. This will be the best way to gain exposure for your business and to meet other local and national business owners.

Entrepreneurs are welcome. This event is absolutely free; however, we are asking for donations to help us supply food to the Truth and Reality Homeless Shelter and Adopt an Angel for the Christmas season. Contact CapitalCitySingles at (334) 421-9293 or e-mail capitalcitysinglesmixer@gmail.com or AJ@678-561-6622.

Charis Crafters Craft Show in Wetumpka -- Through November 10 Wetumpka Civic Center, 410 S. Main St. A wide variety of handmade crafted items and homemade delights perfect for gift giving or decorating your home. Fri., 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Call (334) 399-0350 for more info.

Battles for the Armory (Civil War Reenactment) in Tallassee -- Through November 11 School day is Friday; Battle of Cheaha on Saturday; and Battle of Franklin on Sunday at 2 p.m. Call (334) 2836888 for more info. Admission charged.

Elmore County Homeschool Organization Meets -- Also November 23 Elmore County Homeschool Organization is a non-profit support group for homeschooling families. We provide a positive socialization environment for homeschooled children & support and encourage their parents in the homeschooling process. We meet the second and fourth Friday of every month year-round from 10 a.m. to noon at Harvest Fields Community Church, 4280 Deatsville Hwy, Deatsville. Membership is free and is open to all homeschoolers in the tri-county area. ECHO has field trips, park days, holiday parties, enrichment activities, and

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Parents’ Night Out at the Wetumpka Family YMCA A monthly Parents’ Night Out program for parents of kids 12 years and under offered the 2nd Friday of each month from 6-10 p.m. Games, arts and crafts, a movie and hot dogs are offered. Cost is $10 per child for members and $15 per child for non-members. You must register by the Thursday prior. Call 567-8282 for more info.

Shoppes of My Kids Attic Christmas Open House 401 Coliseum Blvd., Montgomery. Santa will be here for pictures and storytime 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Have your picture taken with Santa. You are welcome to bring your own camera or we will have a photographer available. Call 270-1456 for more info.

Sunday, November 11

A Musical Tribute to Veterans Presented by Memorial Presbyterian Church at 4 p.m.

The Tribute to Veterans 2012 is an opportunity to recognize the heroic servicemen and servicewomen who have served in the past and those who continue to serve our great nation. This program of patriotic and sacred music is part of Memorial’s longstanding Vesper Concert Series. There is no charge for admission. For more info, call (334) 221-1876.

Veterans’ Day Ceremony at Pike Road’s Old Town Hall The Town of Pike Road will mark Veterans’ Day by dedicating a new veterans’ monument at the Old Town Hall site at 3 p.m. A program will take place, including a Veterans’ Walk of Honor. Veterans are encouraged to attend and participate in the walk. For more info, e-mail townofpikeroad@pikeroad.us.

International Festival Would you or your children like to learn more about other countries and cultures? If so, then we have a great opportunity coming to Prattville. As part of International Education Week, sponsored by the US State Department of Education, PAX Academic Exchange students will be hosting an International Festival at Hunter Hills Church in Prattville. The festival will be from 2 to 4 pm.

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Monday, November 12

Third Annual River Region Veterans Day Parade Join the City of Montgomery and their partners as they honor our nation’s veterans. 10 a.m. observance program and concert by the Capitol Sounds Concert Band (steps of the Alabama State Capitol); 11 a.m. parade down Dexter Avenue. Sponsors: Capitol Sounds Concert Bands, Troy University Marching Band, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, City of Montgomery, Montgomery County Commission, Disabled American Veterans, Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Veterans Benefits Administration Montgomery Regional Office, Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, Marine Corps League, Central Alabama Veterans Healthcare System

Tuesday, November 13

BTW Dance Performance: Breaking Glass -- Also November 14 Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. 10-11 a.m.

November 13; 9:30-10:30 and 11 a.m.-noon November 14. Since 1990, Gary Moore, creative director of the Booker T. Washington Magnet High School Dance Theatre, has collaborated with the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts to develop and produce unique special events combining the performing and visual arts. The inspiration for each of these major arts-in-education events has been a significant art exhibition on view at the Museum. This year is no exception, with three original performances created in connection with the exhibition Psychedelic

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Mania: Stephen Rolfe Powell’s Dance with Glass. Don’t miss the chance to see these incredibly talented young dancers interpret Stephen Rolfe Powell’s works of art in a choreographed fantasy about the spirits of broken glass fusing themselves back into their original sculptural forms, with music by Philip Glass (of course)! For reservations, call 240-4365 or e-mail edsecy@mmfa.org.

This event is FREE.

Thursday, November 15

ArchiTreats: Food For Thought The Alabama Dept. of Archives & History, 624 Washington Ave. Noon-1 p.m. Bring lunch and a drink and join us every third Thursday for these FREE lectures sponsored

by Friends of the Alabama Archives. Today’s topic is “Lord Remember Me: Archiving Alabama’s Folklife,” presented by Kevin Nutt. Call 353-4726 or visit www. archives.alabama.gov.

30th Annual Economic Summit, The Forum 8:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m., at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel and Spa at the Convention Center. An impressive agenda of renowned speakers has been lined up for the event organized by Auburn University at Montgomery and the Montgomery Area Committee of 100. Keynote speakers include: Dick Morris, one of America’s most prominent political consultants who provides commentary for Fox News; Jon Anzalone, founder of Anzalone Liszt Research (ALR) who has spent more than 20 years in the polling business helping candidates, associations and corporations across the U.S. with message development, strategic planning, and targeting; and Walter Williams, a nationally syndicated newspaper columnist who occasionally fills in as substitute host for the Rush Limbaugh show.

Registration is $195 per person or $1,560 for a table of eight. For more information, call (334) 244-3804 or visit www.aum.edu/theforum.

ARTtalk at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 6-7:30 p.m. Get an up-close look at artists, their work

and the creative process in this unique program, designed for artists in the area as well as those interested in art.

Six times a year artists have the opportunity to bring a work of art to the Museum, show it to other artists and participants, and receive friendly feedback about the work. Cost: $20 for Museum or Art Guild members/$35 for non-members. E-mail Donna Pickens for reservations at dpickens@mmfa.org or call 240-4363.

Monthly Electronic Recycling Drop-off Sponsored by the Autauga County PALS and held at Pratt Plaza Shopping Center (opposite Winn Dixie) the third Thursday each month, 3-6 p.m. Recycle your old, broken, or obsolete TVs ($10), cell phones, radios, stereos, computers, laptops, cameras, toaster ovens, microwaves, VCRs, remotes, printers, scanners, pagers, tape recorders, vacuums, irons, hair dryers, keyboards, monitors, projectors, video games, speakers, server hubs, turntables, CD/DVD players, etc. Divert old electronics from the landfill, free up storage space, & create jobs by recycling. ($10 fee for TVs). CE&E (568-9621) is registered with ADEM as an electronic recycler.

Friday, November 16

Art in Concert at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Art in Concert is a brand new event hosted by the Montgomery Museum of Fine Art’s Junior Executive Board.

Preview party begins at 5 p.m. ($30/$35 at the gate) with food and beer tastings, music and exclusive Artist Market viewing; Double Headliner at 7:30 p.m. ($12/$15 at the gate) with live music on the lawn; food and beverage vendors on site. Visit www.mmfa.org or call 240-4333.

Fantasy In Lights at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Ga. -- Through December 30 Celebrate the holidays at the 21st Fantasy In Lights. See the magic of Christmas come alive in the eyes of loved ones as everyone enjoys the brilliance of 8 million lights in one of the world’s largest outdoor light and sound shows. Sing carols and buy unique gifts to celebrate the

holiday season at Fantasy In Lights. For more information, please call 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292) or visit www.callawaygardens.com.

Saturday, November 17

Artist Market at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The 3rd Annual Artist Market is FREE and open to the public. Start your holiday shopping by browsing works created by more than 30 regional artists who are represented in the Museum Store- paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry and more! Visit www.mmfa.org or call 240-4333.

MetroFitness and Montgomery MultiSport Host 12th Annual “Turkey Burner” Run/Walk Peppertree Center, featuring a 5K run/walk at 8am followed by a 1Mile fun run at 9am with an award ceremony to follow. The local fitness partners are teaming up to contribute to the community through MMS Charities and the Montgomery Area Food Bank. Beside the runs, the morning will be filled with live music and entertainment, food and refreshments. More info, 334.396.0040 or Email: press@metrofitness.com.

Gigantic Flea Market in Prattville 6 a.m.-noon. Doster Center. Call (334) 361-3640.

Autauga County Heritage Association 5th Annual Low Country Boil 6-10 p.m. Buena Vista, 641 County Rd. 4E, Prattville. $30 per person. Live Cajun music. Silent auction. BYOB. For information or tickets, call (334) 361-0961 or visit www.autaugaheritage.org Chess Tournament - Montgomery Scholastic at Frazer United Methodist Church Open to the public. Private and homeschooled students are encouraged to play. Register in advance by Nov. 15. E-mail CaesarChess@yahoo.com for info.

General Public Weekend at Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook -- Also November 18 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday. During any

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Family Calendar ANC General Public Weekend, you can enjoy hiking five miles of scenic trails while learning about the fascinating natural history of central Alabama. Visit www.alabamawildlife.org or call 800-822-9453.

November 2012

Music Society. Admission is free. Visit www.mmfa.org or call 240-4333.

Tuesday, November 27

Sesame Street Live “Elmo Makes Music” at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre -- Also November 21 November 20 at 6:30 p.m. and November 21 at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $58, $32, $22, $17. For tickets or more info, visit www.mpaconline.org or call 481-5100.

The Benefit 2 Business Gala Planned and implemented by students in the Sports and Event Marketing class offered by Auburn University at Montgomery’s School of Business. Wynlakes Golf & Country Club. This year’s event will include a wine-tasting reception and silent auction followed by a three-course dinner presented by Wynlakes’ executive chef. Net proceeds from the event will fund student scholarships, faculty travel and other operating expenses for Auburn Montgomery’s School of Business. Individual tickets are $100. Tables are $1,000. To purchase, please contact Jan Hargrove at (334) 244-3478 or jhargro1@ aum.edu.

Thursday, November 22

Thursday, November 29

Monday, November 19

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre 7:30 p.m. For tickets or more info, visit www.mpaconline. org or call 481-5100.

Tuesday, November 20

Turkey Day Classic Cramton Bowl. Thanksgiving Day rivalry featuring Alabama State University Hornets of Montgomery vs. the Tuskegee University Tigers. Call (334) 229-4100 for details. Admission charged.

Friday, November 23

Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents A Christmas Carol -- Through December 23 Adapted from the novel by Charles Dickens. Recommended for ages 6+. Appropriate for most audiences. For ticket info, visit www.asf.net or call 271-5353.

Sunday, November 25

Jazz Jams at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 2-4 p.m. Enjoy the Museum and a little jazz on a Sunday afternoon. This event is a partnership with Alabama Roots

Baptist Health Care Presents MERCY ME at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre 7 p.m. Tickets: $47.50, $37.50 MercyMe is an American contemporary Christian band founded in Greenville, Texas. The band formed in 1994 and released six independent albums prior to signing with INO Records in 2001. The group first gained mainstream recognition with the crossover single, “I Can Only Imagine” which elevated their debut album, Almost There, to becoming certified double platinum. Since then, the group has released five additional studio albums, three of which have been certified gold, and a greatest hits album.

MercyMe has won numerous Dove Awards and has had various Grammy Award nominations. For tickets or more info, visit www.mpaconline.org or call 481-5100.

Gumbo Girl: Growing Up in the South in the 1950s: A Talk by Artist Joelle Ford

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Joelle Ford’s work on view in the MMFA exhibition, “Accumulations: The Art of Joelle Ford and Stephen T. Johnson,” employs everyday materials such as paint can lids transformed into compelling abstractions. In “Gumbo Girl,” Ford will discuss a narrative body of work, her mixed media collages about life in Texas and Louisiana in the 1950s. Currently a resident of Kansas, Ford recollects her Southern youth with an inherent playfulness also evident in her large-scale assemblages. Visit www.mmfa.org or call 240-4333.

Faulkner Dinner Theatre Presents Inspecting Carol --Through December 1; 6-8; and 13-15 Theatre doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner is served from 6:15 until 7. The show begins promptly at 7:30.

Tickets are $25 and include dinner and the show.

Members of the military can purchase tickets for just $20.

Reservations must be paid in advance. Make reservations or for more information, call 386-7190 or e-mail boxoffice@faulkner.edu.

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Wetumpka Depot Presents The Legend of Santa Pig -- Also December 1 Written by Bill Springer and directed by Kim Mason.

This play answers the age-old philosophical question: “If it’s Christmas in the barnyard and no one is around, will the animals have one bang-up Christmas party?” Well, the answer is definitely “Yes!” For tickets, visit www. wetumpkadepot.com or call 868-1440.

December: Beautiful Music for the Holidays by The Montgomery Chorale -- Also December 2 Featuring Robby Gibson, Guitar. Friday at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts.

For tickets, (334) 265-3737 or montgomerychorale.org.

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The Grinch Ballet Performed by The Prattville Ballet and Students of C.J.’s Dance Factory Destiny Church in Prattville at 2 p.m. For more information, call (334) 361-0554.

Prepared Childbirth Class Provides childbirth information for those who choose to have pain relief during labor and delivery. Topics include stages of labor, breathing and relaxation techniques, the role of the coach, and proper care of mother and baby after delivery. Sessions are taught throughout the year, from 10 a.m.-noon. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Cost is $25. Call 293-8497 or e-mail liz.owen@jackson.org.

Holiday Open House at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 1-4 p.m. The day’s activities will include performances by local choral groups and festive studio activities. In addition to these holiday treats, the Museum invites guests to explore the multiple exhibitions on view. Also, be sure to see the Kwanzaa and Hanukkah displays as well as the Museum’s Christmas tree, adorned with handmade ornaments created specifically for the Museum by Alabama artists. There is no charge for Holiday Open House, but guests are encouraged to bring canned goods for donation to the Montgomery Area Food Bank or a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. This event is sponsored by BBVA Compass. Visit www.mmfa.org or call 240-4333 for details.

The Empire Brass Presents The Sound of Christmas Starring Elisabeth Von Trapp Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts, 7 p.m. Born and raised in Vermont, Elisabeth is the granddaughter of the legendary Maria and Baron von Trapp, whose story inspired The Sound of Music. Singing professionally since childhood, Elisabeth has enthralled audiences from European cathedrals to Washington, D.C.’s Kennedy Center. For ticket information, call (334) 241-9567 or visit www.troy.edu.

Fair Trade Holiday Market Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 6610 Vaughn Rd.

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9 a.m.-4 p.m. Items from all over the world will be available for purchase including household items, Christmas items, personal items and much more. Proceeds will help provide a fair living for the artisans of the products in addition to helping provide food for the Aldersgate Food Pantry, which provides emergency assistance to people in the community. Call (334-) 300-4835 or visit www. aldersgateumc.org for details.

City of Millbrook Christmas Parade & Arts and Crafts in the Park Free admission. Main Street (parade) & Village Green Park (arts & crafts). Celebrate the holiday season during the annual Christmas parade. Arts and crafts vendors, concessions and more. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Parade starts at 2 p.m. Visit www.cityofmillbrook.org or call (334) 3229871 for details.

Old Alabama Town Holiday Celebration -- Through December 31 The house museums will be authentically decorated for the holidays. Self-guided tours offered Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.3 p.m. Guided tours by reservation and for groups. Call 240-4500 or visit www.oldalabamatown.com for details.

Sunday, December 2

Montgomery Performing Arts Centre presents Dwight Yoakam Live in Concert 8 p.m. Dwight Yoakam captured the imagination of traditionalists and new listeners alike by giving hillbilly music a modern twist. Born in Kentucky but based in Los Angeles, Yoakam debuted with a twangy cover of Johnny Horton’s “Honky Tonk Man,” which led him to the ACM’s 1986 Top New Male Vocalist trophy. In all, Yoakam landed 14 Top 10 hits – some he wrote (“I Sang Dixie”) and others he revived (Elvis Presley’s “Little Sister”). Tickets: $34, $29. For tickets or more info, visit www.mpaconline.org or call 481-5100.

Autaugaville Christmas Parade Free. Call (334) 365-9563 for starting location. Parade com-

plete with floats, marching units and Santa. 3:30 p.m.

Christmas Tree Lighting at Pike Road Town Hall Pike Road Arts Council is looking for citizens of any age who can attend two or three practice sessions in November and be part of a choir of carolers during the tree lighting. If you are interested in participating, please e-mail Patty Payne at patty@pikeroad.us

Thursday, December 6

“Your Amazing Newborn” Class Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

FREE. One-night class taught by a pediatrician and nursing staff. Presents new concepts in newborn care and helps alleviate parenting jitters by soon-to-be parents.

Grandparents welcome. Class schedule is subject to change, so please call 293-8497 or visit www.jackson. org/events.

Cloverdale Playhouse Presents Season’s Greetings Through December 9 & 13-16 Written by British playwright Alan Ayckbourn. A “typical” holiday gathering of family at the table and, on occasion, under the Christmas tree, has Neville and Belinda wondering if order can be restored by Boxing Day. The arrival of an unexpected guest and a performance by a puppet theater supply abundant laughs and a ruffled feather or two. For tickets or more info, call 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org Montgomery Zoo Christmas Lights Festival -Through December 9 and 13-31 5:30-9:30 p.m. nightly. See the Zoo transformed into a Winter Wonderland sparkling with thousands of festive lights and decorations. Stroll the many pathways or enjoy a brisk ride on the Santaland Express train. Santa appears nightly through Dec. 23. The Zoo also has a Santa Craftshop where you can make last-minute gifts for that someone special. Enjoy live entertainment nightly at the Overlook Cafe. Take a ride on a Haflinger horse at the Horse Trail Rides. $12 for ages 3 years and older. Admission includes your Christmas Light train ride. FREE for 2 years and younger and Montgomery Zoo members. Call (334) 240-4900 or visit www.montgomeryzoo.com.

Wednesday, December 5

Friday, December 7

Monday, December 3

Governor’s Mansion Candlelight Tours & Open House -- Also December 10 & 17 1142 S. Perry St. 5-7 p.m. The 1907 Governor’s Mansion will be aglow with lights and filled with the spirit of the season. Pick up tickets at the gift shop across the street.

Call 241-8824.

Tuesday, December 4

Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Presents Joe Bonamassa 8 p.m. As Joe Bonamassa grows his reputation as one of the world’s greatest guitar players, he is also evolving into a charismatic blues-rock star and singer-songwriter of stylistic depth and emotional resonance. His new album, Black Rock, is his tenth solo album and eighth studio release of his career – as well as his fifth consecutive with producer Kevin Shirley (Led Zeppelin, Black Crowes, etc.) For tickets or more info, visit www.mpaconline.org or call 481-5100.

City of Montgomery Christmas Parade Depart from Cramton Bowl and parade downtown from Capitol steps to the Court Street fountain. 6 p.m. Call 241-2726 for more info.

Calendar information due by the 15th of each month. Send an email to editor@montgomeryparents.com.

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Two Cool Cats Highlight Alabama in Children’s Book

A fun-filled journey across the south half of Alabama is chronicled in the recently released children’s book The Alabama Adventures of Walter & Wimbly: two marmalade cats on a mission by Montgomery writer and editor Jennifer Stewart Kornegay.

The story, which is based on two real cats, follows best friends and next-door neighbors Walter and Wimbly on their mission to find each other again after Walter’s family moves away from Montgomery to Fairhope. The orange cats stop at several iconic Alabama landmarks along the way, including a pecan shop in Fort Deposit, a turkey restaurant in Greenville, the courthouse in Monroeville and more.

Kids are drawn into the tale and stay engaged thanks to a descriptive writing style and the book’s whimsical coloredpencil illustrations created by Gadsden, Ala., artist and the author’s mother Madelon Stewart.

The book retails for $19.99 and made its debut at the Montgomery Junior League’s Holiday Market October 18-20.

Since Holiday Market, the book is for sale at hue studio, inc. in Old Cloverdale as well as several other shops across the state. It can also be ordered at www.walterandwimbly. com, and the full list of retailers can be found on the website as well. www.montgomeryparents.com

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Business Card Directory

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Home Based Business Directory

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Does your child need extra help with reading and math skills? I’m an experienced school teacher of more than 15 years and work with patience and understanding. I work with children from pre-K through 3rd grade. Call Cynthia Henderson at 334.201.9524 or 334.239.9630 or email cynthiaahenderson@gmail.com.

Piano Lessons

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Beginners, Intermediate, or Advanced. Experienced Teacher & Adjudicator. MTNA and Nationally Certified. Summer lessons available. Call now for information at 334-265-8154.

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Mommy, Milk, & Me, Inc.

Need a “Phenomenal” Independent Beauty Consultant?

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Without Detergent or Fabric Softeners / No Hot Water Average family saves about $500/per year Call Judi for details at 334-220-7229.

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1829 Hillhedge Drive. Please call Miss Bickerstaff at 262-3341.

Work from Home No Cost To Join!

Harrison Cares Errand Service can help!

If it has to get done but not necessarily by you, we can help! From pick up to delivery, grocery shopping to scheduling appointments, we make your life easier. Focus on what means the most to you and let us do the running! Reasonable rates. Contact Monette Harrison at 317-603-3257 or 334-578-4840 or msmonetteh@gmail.com.

Do You Enjoy Helping Others? with health challenges like fibromyalgia and cancer?

Join us and earn p/t or f/t income doing so!!

805-621-2466 Provides breastfeeding education, antepartum doula services, childbirth education, and Happiest Baby on the Block classes.

Handmade breastfeeding greeting cards and breast pump rental services also available. For more info please contact Tangela Boyd at 334-782-9816.

Email: Tangela@mommymilkandmeinc.com Website: www.mommymilkandmeinc.com

Piano Teacher

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Offering various types of lawn care and landscaping maintenance.

Call (334) 221-7945 or email zoelawn4u@yahoo.com for your free estimates.

Carlos Williams, Owner

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Free Instructional Videos Show You How To Make Money Sign up at www.mygreatpayday.com

Call Kim at 334-625-8745.

MaryCare Adult Day Care Home

Services for persons with Learning Disabilities, Memory Loss, Dementia, or Alzheimer’s. Care provided in my home at and affordable daily rate. 7:00 to 5:30 Mon-Fri. Call now for information at 334-320-5108.

Lucky Lawns

Top quality lawn care for your home and business!

Dependable tri-county service. Call James today at 424-2974 for a free estimate.

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(current LAMP teacher) Clarence Hann IV 334-315-7070 channiv@yahoo.com

Porches, remodeling, sheet rock, painting, hardwood floors.

Call Robert Williams at (home) 361-7307 or (cell) 699-3864.

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You grow it, we mow it Affordable pricing

Contact Kesha D Shaw at 334-538-8643 or visit www.marykay.com/kdshaw01 e-mail: kdshaw01@marykay.com

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Stay-at Home Mom’s or Anyone’s Dream

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Earn $500.00 to $2000.00 per month or more. No inventory.

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For appointment call or email (334) 294-2007 meladwellness@gmail.com

Move In/Move Out, Residential and Commercial, Construction Sites Quality and Reasonable Rates Call Betty Dennis, Cleaning Specialist, at 334.303.2585 for a free estimate.

Birthday Parties

Hand-n-Hand Teaching Materials is offering Birthday Parties for children from birth to age 8.

Plan a summer party for your child with Melissa & Doug Products. Call (334) 651-1292.

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Independent, Professional, Experienced, Excellent References, Reasonable Rates and Free Estimates Call 334-782-7859

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Image consulting firm that specializes in helping singles mothers or persons who want to enhance their lives. We offer self-esteem, self-assertiveness, and self-worth training. In addition, we specialize in hair and makeup makeovers. For a consultation, please call Kimberly Parker at 334-421-9293 or email me at capitalcitysinglesmixer@gmail.com.

Visit our website www.capitalcitysingles.com.

The FREE AD GUY knows that every business needs a few lucky breaks before it can become successful. That’s why he is offering more FREE ads to Home Based Businesses. In return, the FREE AD GUY would appreciate it if you would tell a friend about Montgomery Parents Magazine. If you’ll just help him spread the word about Montgomery Parents Magazine he’ll keep working for you and your business. If you have already run a FREE ad you can send a request to repeat the ad or make changes. Please understand but we will not accept any phone requests. For new Home Based Business advertisers, just send your information to: FREE AD GUY, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, AL 36123, or freeadguy@montgomeryparents.com.

The FREE AD GUY reserves the right to refuse any ad in case it’s not appropriate for our readers.

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Advertising Information

RESOURCES M o n t g o m e r y P a r e n t s ’ Advertiser Directory

Welcome to the Montgomery Parents’ Advertiser Directory. This section was created to help our readers easily access advertising information in our magazine. We know that readers consider our advertisers as valuable a resource as the editorial content in Montgomery Parents.

We hope this directory saves you time as you refer to the magazine throughout the month. Page numbers follow the advertiser’s name.

A Great Start Learning Academy, 81

First Assembly of God, Montgomery, 44

Pediatric Nephrology of Alabama, 30

Adventure Sports II, 49

First Baptist Church, Montgomery, 4

Petrunic Orthodontics, 50

Alabama Army National Guard, 61

First UMC Montgomery, 23

Professional Pediatrics, 12

Alabama Christian Academy, 17

First UMC Prattville, 45

Pump It Up Party, 80

Alabama Shakespeare Festival, 28

Fleming’s Martial Arts, 75

River Region Straw, 71

Aldersgate UMC Child Care, 74

Frazer Memorial UMC, 3

Riverview Camp, 52

Arts in Motion, 47

Heart of Dixie Railroad, 24

Rolling Video Games of AL, 67

ASKIN/Synergy House, 93

Holy Cross Episcopal School, 31

Saint James School, Inside Front Cover

Auditory/Visual Enhancement, 27

Hooper Academy, 32

Savannah L. Bowden Photography, 83

Baptist Health, 35

Huntington Learning Center, 37

Sesame Street Live, 25

Barrington Place, 20

Jenna Ann Photography, 93

Shade Tree Riding Academy, 39

Bradford Health Services, 76

Kazoo Toys, 56

Smiles Galore Parties, 56

Brandi McNew-Counselor, 65

Kingry Orthodontics, 62

Southlawn Childcare Center, 73

Cancer Care Center, 63

Kumon East, 15

Spacewalk of Montgomery, 94

Carver Arts After School Program, 14

Kumon Central, 45

Spacewalker, The, 28

Catoma Baptist Church Preschool, 89

Learning Tree Child Care, 48

Spotless Cleaning Services, 11

Chapman Orthodontics, 25

Lil Pea Pod Boutique, 80

St. Bede Child Development Center, 91

Children’s Hospital of Ala, 59

Mathnasium, 38

St. James UMC Majesty Market, 8

Chris Neil Guitar Lessons, 91

Montessori @ Hampstead, 18

Success Unlimited Academy, 33

Churchill Academy, 21

Montessori @ Mulberry, 67

Sweet Tea, 20

City of Montgomery Christmas Parade, 13

Montessori Academy, 41

Sylvan Learning Center, 24

Clean America, 8

Montgomery Gem & Mineral Show, 37

Taylor Crossing Animal Hospital, 76

Dancewear, Etc., 93

Montgomery Humane Society, 79

Taylor Made Gaming, 30

Dentistry for Children, 47

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 90

Taylor Road Baptist Church, 81

Diamond Princess Ball, 69

Montgomery Pediatric Dentistry/Orthodontics, 75

The Big Green Bus, 94

Docarmo’s Taekwondo Center, 55

Montgomery Taekwondo, 93

The Forgotten Carols, 71

Dr. Bradley Willis-Dentist, 83

Montgomery Uniforms Plus, 21

The Montgomery Academy, Back Cover

Dr. Kendall Dunn-Orthodontist, 43

Montgomery Zoo, 54

Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection, 93

Dynamite Magic & Balloons, 74

Mrs. Sandy’s House, 93

Tree Theater Company, 43

E & S Hobbies, Inc., 93

My Kids Attic, The Shoppes at, 19

Trinity Presbyterian School, Inside Back

Eastdale Mall, 2

Name Dropper/Storkland, 18

Twisted Spur, 32

Eastmont Baptist Church, 36

New Park, 1

United Gymstars & Cheer, LLC, 39

Edward Jones-Lane Easterling, 50

Partners in Pediatrics, 9

Vaughn Park Mom’s Day Out, 42

Evangel Christian Academy, 26

Party Ponies by Renfroe & Daughters, 93

Vaughn Urgent Care, 73

Family Karate Center, 7

Pediatric Cardiology, 49

W.A. Gayle Planetarium, 61

Montgomery Parents I November 2012

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www.montgomeryparents.com

Chasing Mavericks MPAA Rating: PG Overall: AViolence: BSexual Content: A Language: AAlcohol / Drug Use: D+ The MPAA has rated Chasing Mavericks PG for thematic elements and some perilous action.

Those who know about real life surfer Jay Moriarty know how this movie ends. For those who don’t, I’m not giving it away. Despite criticism from some regions that this film doesn’t “capture” the true surfer dude, this film is well worth sitting through to see the outcome.

The movie portrays Jay’s (Jonny Weston) home life as troubled. Deserted by his father and left to parent a mother (Elizabeth Shue) that can barely function, Jay fends for himself remarkably well for an 8-year-old. Somehow he gets himself to the water and with the encouragement of a friend (Devin Crittenden) learns to surf.

Already an accomplished long boarder at age 15, Jay discovers one of the biggest waves on the planet is only miles from his home in Santa Cruz, California. But this isn’t the kind of wave one approaches unprepared. Determined to ride it, he asks his neighbor Frosty Hesson (Gerard Butler) to train him. Refusing as first, Frosty changes his mind when his long-suffering wife (Abigail Spencer) encourages him to step up and be the kind of father to Jay that he hasn’t been to his own daughter Roquet (Maya Raines).

Catching the big one may be where the story’s climax is headed, but the path to get there is what makes the journey significant. Jay doesn’t appear to be driven by the fame of winning, though a few trophies appear in his room. He loves to surf, pure and simple. And he loves the challenge of pursuing something that far exceeds his abilities when he begins training. Frosty’s involvement proves to be life changing for both of them as they are forced to face not only their fears in the water but in the rest of life.

Visually stunning images of huge waves crashing on the rocks give a sense of Mother Nature’s temperament on this shoreline. Like Jay’s film mom, she is anything but coddling or accommodating. And though some viewers might question the value of putting one’s life in peril for the sake of sport, who is to say what goals are worth pursuing. Eager to honor Jay Moriarty, seasoned surfers Greg Long, Peter Mel and Zach Wormhoudt, who consulted on the script as well as appeared as Frosty’s buddies, ensure the scenes’ accuracy.

While I can’t argue whether or not this movie captures the real surfer or even the real Jay Moriarty, Chasing Maverick’s speaks to the courage, tenacity and drive of one young athlete who overcomes a dysfunctional home life to achieve something great and the man who overcame his own issues to mentor him. That’s worth the price of tickets for me.

What Parents need to know about Chasing Mavericks...

Here Comes the Boom MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B+ Violence: BSexual Content: B+ Language: BAlcohol / Drug Use: BThe MPAA has rated Here Comes the Boom PG for bouts of MMA sports violence, some rude humor and language.

A lot has happened since Scott Voss (Kevin James) won Teacher of the Year a decade ago. And most of it hasn’t been for the better. Now, instead of inspiring higher learning in his biology classes, Scott is mentally absent and chronically tardy.

Yet despite his classroom deficiencies, Scott is appalled when Principal Betcher (Greg Germann) announces the school will be cutting extra-curricular activities including the music program run by Marty Streb (Henry Winkler) who has just confided to Scott that his wife is pregnant. However only Bella Flores (Salma Hayek), the school nurse, shows up when Scott organizes a meeting to discuss raising funds for the musicians.

With the weight of saving the music program resting on his shoulders alone, Scott eventually stumbles onto the idea of competing in mixed martial arts fights where even the losers make more money than he does teaching community education classes in the evening. One of his adult students, Niko (played by renowned MMA master Bas Rutten) reluctantly agrees to coach him. With Marty tagging along for moral support, Scott enters the world of cage fighting. And with a little luck eventually finds himself competing in the ring at the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

As Scott’s winnings slowly add up, an even bigger change occurs as this disenchanted educator regains his passion for teaching and passes his enthusiasm on to the apathetic students in his classroom.

The rumbles result in some bloody facial injuries, bruising, a dislocated shoulder and the kind of punches you wouldn’t want thrown at home. Other content in this PG-rated comedy consists of some rude humor, couple spats and brief language. Still, the script also allows many of the characters, including the oft-maligned school administration, to develop and amend their ways over the course of the story.

Although cage fighting might not be the kind of fundraising event your school is ready to support, the budgetary shortfall depicted in this film (and the attempt to correct it) makes for some entertaining moments for families who don’t mind a little grappling on the mat along with more hard-hitting mixed martial arts action.

What Parents need to know about Here Comes the Boom...

Violence: Characters involved in mixed martial arts competitions and training Violence: A child nearly drowns. A boy smashes car mirrors with a baseball are knocked out, choked, punched, kicked and knocked to the ground. Some of bat and later threatens a person with it. A surfer suffers a bloody injury. A boy the brawls result in bloody facial injuries, bruising and a dislocated shoulder. A fights with a man who is attacking his mother. A teen climbs on top of a van character is accused of embezzlement. that later speeds down the highway. Teens fight in a restaurant. Students bully Sexual Content: An artfully posed picture of a naked man and his musical others. Divers encounter a shark. Death is discussed and a character dies. instrument is shown in his home. A woman wears a low cut tank top. A characSexual Content: A teen couple kisses. ter’s buttocks are partially revealed during a yoga class.

Language: One term of Deity is heard and some bullying comments.

Language: The script includes brief profanities and terms of Deity.

Alcohol / Drug Use: A child discovers liquor in his mom’s juice. A teen buys Alcohol / Drug Use: Characters drink briefly in social settings and at home. drugs from dealers on the street on several occasions. Teens appear to be high Other: A character throws up on his opponent. A man talks about fecal matter. on drugs on a couple of occasions. www.montgomeryparents.com Montgomery Parents I November 2012 96

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